Feb 3, 1897

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to James and Susan Burns.

Sep 16, 1915

Attested into the 64^th Battalion CEF in Sussex, New Brunswick: 

Ø      Number 470202

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Susan Burns, mother, 671 Robie St., Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø      Previous occupation given as Teamster

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “A” Company

Mar 31, 1916

Embarked the SS Adriatic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Apr 9, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Otterpool.

May 17, 1916

Admonished for being drunk on duty.

Jul 6, 1916

Transferred to the 40^th Reserve Battalion at Caesar’s Camp

Jul 14, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion.

Jul 30, 1916

Left the CBD to join the Battalion.

Aug 2, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in the Chippawa Camp near La Clytte, France.

Sep 15, 1916

During the attack on the Sugar Refinery at Courcelette, France, Private Burns received bullet wounds to his left arm and right leg.  He was taken to the field ambulance for first aid then transferred to the CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for further treatment.  He was then transferred to the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital for surgery.

Sep 17, 1916

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship St. Patrick

Posted to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) while in hospital.

Sep 18, 1916

Admitted to the No. 2 Western General Hospital in Manchester.

Sep 26, 1916

Transferred to the hospital at Bank Meadow.

Sep 27, 1916

Transferred to the Fairview Hospital in Fallowfield.

Nov 10, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Woodcote Parke, Epsom.

Nov 17, 1916

Discharged from the convalescent hospital and reported to CCAC in Shoreham and attached to the Convalescent Depot for physical therapy.

Jan 9, 1917

Discharged from the Convalescent Depot and transferred to the 1^st Canadian Corps Training Battalion at Hastings.

Jan 24, 1917

Transferred to the 6^th Reserve Battalion at East Sandling.

Mar 6, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion and arrived at the CBD in Havre, France and TOS the 21^st Battalion.

Mar 31, 1917

Left the CBD to join the 2^nd Entrenching Battalion.

Apr 2, 1917

Joined the 2^nd Entrenching Battalion at Hersin as part of a draft of 53 reinforcements destined for the 21^st Battalion.

Apr 14, 1917

Left the 2^nd Entrenching Battalion with 9 other reinforcements and joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Bois des Alleux.  The Battalion had just come out of the front line fighting at Vimy Ridge and was cleaning up and re-equipping.

Aug 15, 1917

During the fighting at Hill 70, Private Burns was instantly killed by a German artillery shell explosion.

When the fighting had ceased, his body could not be located and he is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on Vimy Ridge, France.

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. James Burns, 35 Columbus St., Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Mr. James Burns, at the same address.