Aug 1, 1895
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Born in
Kingston, Ontario to William Thomas and Mary Louise (nee King) Burke.
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May 15, 1912 |
Volunteered for service with the PWOR (Princess of Wales' Own Rifles)
in Kingston, Ontario, number 1569.
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Nov 11, 1914
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Attested into
the 21st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario:
Ø Number 59115 (temporary number 26)
Ø Next of kin given as William T. Burke, father, 72 Lower Bagot St.,
Kingston, Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Wheelwright
Ø Previous military experience given as 14th Regiment PWOR
(Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles)
o Later renamed the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment
Ø Religion given as Church of England
Ø Assigned to “A” Company
o He was a drummer in the Battalion’s Pipe Band and as such, served
as a Stretcher Bearer at the front.
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Feb 6, 1915
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Promoted to the
provisional rank of Corporal.
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May 6, 1915
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Embarked the RMS
Metagama in Montreal, Quebec.
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May 15, 1915
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Disembarked in
Devonport, England and proceeded to West Sandling, near Hythe, Kent for additional
training.
He was
appointed to the rank of Lance Sergeant with pay effective on this date.
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Jul 1, 1915
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Confirmed in the
rank of Corporal.
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Aug 27, 1915
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Reverted to the rank
of Private at his own request.
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Sep 14, 1915
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Embarked the St.
Seiriol in Folkestone.
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Sep 15, 1915
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Disembarked in
Boulogne, France and proceeded to St. Omer.
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Feb 26, 1916
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Admitted to the
No. 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) diagnosed with Laryngitis.
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Mar 3, 1916
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Transferred to
the North Midland CCS (Casualty Clearing Station).
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Mar 4, 1916
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Transferred to
the Divisional Rest Station at Mont des Cats.
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Mar 12, 1916
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Transferred to
the No. 12 CCS.
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Mar 22, 1916
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Discharged to
duty from hospital.
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Apr 9, 1916
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During the
fighting at the St. Eloi Craters, Private Burke was killed in action and buried in the
Ridgewood Cemetery, Voormezeele, Belgium.
Following the
war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and
Scroll were sent to his father, Wm. Burke, 155 Sydenham St., Kingston, Ontario.
There was no
Memorial Cross issued.
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As mentioned above, he was a member of the congregation at St.
George's Cathedral, Kingston, Ontario and is commemorated on a plaque in their church.
From the Ogdensburg New York newspaper.
He is also commemorated on the Memorial Wall in Kingston.
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