B138327 Rifleman Burgess Douglas Eavers Archer was born in Toronto, Ontario, on 1 November 1924, the son of John Archer and Rebecca Louise.

His family included brothers Alfred, who served with the Salvation Army Auxiliary Corps; Gunner George Archer, with the Royal Canadian Light Infantry; Sergeant William Archer, with the Highland Light Infantry; Edwin; and sister Helen. He completed grade 8 at Essex Street Public School and attended St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church.

Archer did factory work for Roofers Supply Company Limited when he joined the Governor General’s Horse Guards (Reserves) in November 1941. On 11 January 1943, he enlisted with the Princess Louise Dragoons (Active Army), trained at Camp Borden, Ontario, and arrived overseas on 2 April 1944.

On 8 May he was transferred to the Infantry Corps and on 22 June arrived in Italy and was posted to the the 48th Highlanders. Archer was wounded on 12 December and returned to England. In March 1945, he was sent to France, posted to The Queen’s Own Rifles on 24 April, and served with them in the final weeks of the war.

Having survived the war, Rifleman Archer died in a drowning accident in Amsterdam on 7 August 1945 and is buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference XII. E. 15.