Sapper Joseph Michael Burns

SAPPER JOSEPH MICHAEL BURNS

S10638 – Tunnelling Reinforcements

Joseph Michael Burns was born in Ringwood, Victoria in 1892, the son of James and Sarah Jane (nee Byrne) Burns. He married Violet and they had one child. He stated he had been convicted by a Civil Court for drunkenness. Previous military experience was two months with the Royal Australian Garrison but never signed on.

At the Recruiting Office in Adelaide, South Australia the twenty-five year old Labourer enlisted for active service abroad and passed the medical examination. Attestation forms were completed which show he stood 175cms (5ft 9ins) tall and weighed 69.5kgs (153lbs) with a chest expansion of 92-99cms (36-40ins). Complexion was medium with blue eyes and dark brown hair and had good vision. Roman Catholic was his religion. Next-of-kin nominated was his wife Mrs Violet Burns of 25 Charles Street, Richmond, Vic and later of 17 Barkley Avenue, Richmond, Vic. He was sworn in the same day.

Basic training commenced at Mitcham Camp, S.A. as a Private with the regimental number S10638 and allotted to ‘B Company’ until February 28, 1917 when he was sent to train with the Machine Gun Reinforcements until March 6. A transfer to the Miners’ Reinforcements ‘B Company’ followed and he remained with the Reinforcements until after his final medical examination on April 26, 1917.

During his time at Training Camp the following Misconduct occurred:

Mitcham:A.W.L. [Absent without Leave] 16/3/17

Award:Forfeit 1 day’s pay and 3 days C.B. [Confined to Barracks]

Mitcham:A.W.L. 23/3/17

Award:Forfeit 1 day’s pay.

Mitcham:A.W.L. 25/3/17

Award:Forfeit 1 day’s pay and fined 50cents (5/-).

The Reinforcements were transferred to the Miners’ Training Camp at Seymour, Vic for further instruction on April 26, 1917 and were assigned to the ranks of Sapper.

The following day Misconduct transpired and was dealt with on his return:

SeymourA.W.L. 27/4/17 from 5 p.m. until 10 a.m. 30/4/17.

Award:Fined $2 (£1).

During the next few weeks his Training Card showed he was improving in Drill, Squad Work and Elementary Musketry and had begun Special Mining work when he again went Absent Without Leave on May 21, 1917.

On May 29, 1917 a Warrant was issued for his arrest.

Proceedings of a Board assembled at the Technical Battalion at Seymour on June 13, 1917 inquired into the case of alleged Absence without Leave of No. S10638 Sapper Joseph Michael Burns of ‘B Coy’ Tunnelling Reinforcements at Seymour Camp.

Evidence was given by Sergeant Major Wallace of ‘B Company’ in his sworn statement duly stated:

“I am Sergt Major of ‘B Coy’ Tunnelling Reinforcements, Seymour Camp I have examined the Company Rolls and find that No. S10638 Sap. BURNS, Joseph Michael, has been marked absent from 21/5/1917 to present date and is still absent.”

Total value of Deficiencies in his Kit amounted to $15.50 (£7-14-11).

The Board declared that he had absented himself without leave since 21/5/17 (a period of 24 days) to the present date and was still absent.

The Board recommended that Sapper No. S10638 BURNS, Joseph Michael, be Struck off Strength as a Deserter and the unexpired value of all Deficiencies in his Kit be charged against him. A list of his Kit to the above value was tabled to the Board.

No medals were issued to those who desert the A.I.F.