Aug 1, 1895

Born in Kingston, Ontario to William Thomas and Mary Louise (nee King) Burke.

Nov 11, 1914

Attested into the 21^st 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 14^th 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.

Feb 6, 1915

Promoted to the provisional rank of Corporal.

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec.

May 15, 1915

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.

Jul 1, 1915

Confirmed in the rank of Corporal.

Aug 27, 1915

Reverted to the rank of Private at his own request.

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone.

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and proceeded to St. Omer.

Feb 26, 1916

Admitted to the No. 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) diagnosed with Laryngitis.

Mar 3, 1916

Transferred to the North Midland CCS (Casualty Clearing Station).

Mar 4, 1916

Transferred to the Divisional Rest Station at Mont des Cats.

Mar 12, 1916

Transferred to the No. 12 CCS.

Mar 22, 1916

Discharged to duty from hospital.

Apr 9, 1916

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.