Personal
Information
Sheet
Name: Thomas McDermid Burns
DOB: 23rd August 1917
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service Identity Number: 3055018
Service/Regiment/Corp: Royal Scots
Unit:
Died: 1st/2nd October 1942
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Thomas McDermid Burns was one of five sons of James and Jessie Burns of 6 James Court, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh. Thomas' older brother James joined the Royal Scots at 18 after being paid off from his work due to a lack of trade. James was serving in India when Thomas also enlisted at 18 as he also had no work.
Their other three brothers were also in the forces, Albert in the Pioneers, David the Royal Scots and John the Royal Air Force.
Mr and Mrs Burns also had seven daughters, four were married and all their husbands were also in the services during the war.
Thomas was the only one who did not return home.
Thomas was in Singapore when a ship arrived to embark his regiment and take them to Hong Kong. His brother James had boarded the ship in India and the two brothers met aboard on New Year's Day.
Thomas was taken prisoner in Hong Kong and eventually embarked on the Lisbon Maru.
He did not survive the sinking of the ship, he was 25 years old.
The above information was provided by Frank Fairgrieve great nephew of Thomas McDermid Burns.
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