ChrisAllonby Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 I need some basic advice; perhaps someone could set me on the right track. My grandfather served in WWI. But apart from his name, DoB and other basic biographics I have no other information apart from the fact he was "a machine gunner". Because he survived WWI unscathed I can't use the normal sources that have been great for other members of my family who did not survive. Where do I start? Any help greatfully received. Thanks, Chris Allonby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Give us the basic info and we'll see what comes up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAllonby Posted 11 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Give us the basic info and we'll see what comes up. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Desmond, That was quick! His name was Edward James Burns. Born 7th December 1898 in Ulverston Lancashire. Unfortunately that's it! He may well have served in the local regiment, Kings Own Border Reg't, but I can't be certain of that. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 The on-line index to the campaign medals shows just two men of the full name Edward James Burns. One was an officer in the artillery, the other served with the Expeditionary Force Canteens! Ther are only three listed as Edward J. Burns. I suspect this is your man. He was with the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Quick search of the National Archive produces this ... But try also searching for just Edward Burns/James Burns Medal card of Burns, James Edward Corps: 3rd Hussars Regiment No: 581 Rank: Bandsman... 1914-1920 WO 372/3 Medal card of Burns, Edward James Corps: Expeditionary Force Canteens Regiment No: 1699 Rank: Private 1914-1920 WO 372/3 Medal card of Burns, Edward James Corps: 165th Brigade Royal Field Artillery Rank: Lieutenant and Adjutant... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Boss got there first! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 You gotta be quick round here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAllonby Posted 11 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Chris, I'm pretty certain he wasn't an officer. Out of interest, what is The Expeditionary Force Canteens? I think you could be right. The link you've provided looks like it could be him - if only based on the regiment. With the service number, what's the next step? Thanks, Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Download his card for £3.50. It will tell you a certain amount. Then a good move is to look up his entries in medal rolls and service papers, both at the National Archives in Kew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAllonby Posted 11 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2005 Chris, Thanks. I'll go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per ardua per mare per terram Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 If you are going to Kew, save the £3.50: download it a Kew for free and pay just 20p for the print out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernardmcilwaine Posted 11 June , 2005 Share Posted 11 June , 2005 chris,if he is the royal lancs lad then he didnt get the 1914 or the 1914-15 star with that regt,bernard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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