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Aug 14, 1897
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Born in
Cushendall, Ontario.
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Feb 22, 1916
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Attested into
the 59th Battalion in Gananoque, Ontario:
Ø Number 455902
Ø Next of kin given as William Burns, foster father, Cushendall, Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Farmer
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Methodist
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Apr 1, 1916
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Embarked the RMS
Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Apr 10, 1916
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Prior to
disembarking, he reported sick to the Battalion’s Medical Officer.
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Apr 11, 1916
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Even though he
had reported sick, he disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to the Bordon Camp
with the rest of the Battalion.
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Apr 16, 1916
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Admitted to the
Farnham Military Hospital in Shorncliffe diagnosed with Pneumonia. While in hospital here he was exposed to a case of
cerebro spinal fever, but his tests for the disease proved to be negative.
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May 7, 1916
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Transferred to
the Bearwood Convalescent Hospital in Wokingham.
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Jun 27, 1916
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Discharged to
duty from hospital.
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Jul 6, 1916
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The 59th
Battalion was absorbed into the 39th Reserve Battalion in West Sandling.
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Aug 6, 1916
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Transferred to
the 21st Battalion.
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Aug 7, 1916
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Arrived in
Havre, France and joined the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp as part of a
draft of 27 reinforcements, and was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion.
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Aug 12, 1916
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Left the CBD to
join the 2nd Entrenching Battalion.
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Aug 14, 1916
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Joined the 2nd
Entrenching Battalion in the Halifax Camp as part of a draft of 19 reinforcements destined
for the 21st Battalion.
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Sep 3, 1916
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Left the 2nd
Entrenching Battalion and joined the 21st Battalion in billets in Zouafques,
France and was assigned to “B” Company. The
Battalion had just replaced their Ross rifles with the Lee Enfield and were preparing for
the attack on Courcelette.
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Oct 19, 1916
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Attached to the
4th Field Company, Canadian Engineers for duty.
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Nov 12, 1916
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Rejoined the 21st
Battalion from the 4th Field Company.
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Apr 9, 1917
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Private Burns
received shrapnel wounds to his left leg and right arm during the advance on Vimy Ridge. After being assessed by the Battalion’s
Medical Officer, he was removed to the Field Ambulance for first aid. From there he was transferred to the Casualty
Clearing Station for additional treatment.
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Apr 11, 1917
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Transferred to
the No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux.
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Apr 12, 1917
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Invalided to
England aboard the Hospital Ship St. Andrew
Posted to the
EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) while in hospital.
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Apr 14, 1917
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Admitted to the
Red Cross Hospital in Neston.
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Apr 15, 1917
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Transferred to
the 1st Western General Hospital in Liverpool.
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May 18, 1917
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Transferred to
the Venice St. Auxiliary Hospital in Liverpool.
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May 30, 1917
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Transferred to
the Summerdon Convalescent Hospital in Eastbourne.
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Jun 14, 1917
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Transferred to
the Canadian Military Hospital in Eastbourne.
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Jun 18, 1917
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After being
cleared by the medical board, he was discharged from hospital and posted to the 6th
Reserve Battalion in Seaford.
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Nov 24, 1917
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Confined in the
Wandsworth Detention Barracks. This was
assessed for being AWL (Absent Without Leave) from October 2, 1917 to October 22, 1917. In addition to the loss of pay while in detention,
he forfeited 21 days pay and allowances under a Royal Warrant.
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Dec 13, 1917
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Released from
the detention barracks and rejoined the 6th Reserve Battalion.
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Sep 4, 1918
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Transferred to
the 21st Battalion.
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Sep 5, 1918
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Arrived at that
CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 797
reinforcements for the front and TOS the 21st Battalion.
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Sep 9, 1918
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Left the CIBD
and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast as part of
a draft of 69 reinforcements for the 2nd Division Battalions.
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Sep 10, 1918
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Left the CC Rein
C to join the 21st Battalion.
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Sep 11, 1918
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Rejoined the 21st
Battalion in Divisional Reserve on the Droucourt Queant Line as part of a draft of 50
reinforcements.
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Oct 11, 1918
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During the
advance on Avesnes le Sec, west of Iwuy, France, Private Burns was killed in action.
Above is from the 21st Battalion's War Diary describing the
action.
Niagara Cemetery
Iwuy France
Following the war the British War Medal,
Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his foster father,
William Burns, RR #1 Kingston Mills, Ontario.
There was no
Memorial Cross issued.
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