B146999 Rifleman William Burns was born in Toronto, Ontario, on 16 April 1914, the son of Samuel Burns and Jane “Jennie” Donaldson. He had a half-brother Staff Sergeant Joseph Burns who served with the RCAMC, a brother Corporal Edward Burns who served with the RCAF, and two sisters. He attended Silverthorn and Fairbank public schools and was a United Church of Canada member.

Burns had previous service with the RCAMC 7th Field Calvary (1931-1933) and worked in the shipping department at Schlegel Textile Company, Toronto, when he enlisted with the Canadian Armoured Corps on 18 May 1943. He trained at Camp Borden and once overseas, was transferred to The Queen’s Own Rifles. He arrived in Belgium on 17 October 1944 and was twice wounded in Holland.

Rifleman Burns, aged 20, was killed in action in the Netherlands on 10 April 1945 and is buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference II. A. 11. His family had the following engraved on his marker:

FATHER
IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING
LEAVE WE NOW
OUR LOVED ONE SLEEPING