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William Burns, a widower and father of five

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William Edward (Ted) Burns was a widower with five children when he enlisted for World War One.  The Mercury reported on 11 February 1918 that “Such patriotism is worthy of the highest recognition”.

Mr Burns was born at Port Cygnet on 18 February 1882. He married Ursula Frances Leale in May 1904.  The couple had five children Doreen, Robert, Evelyn, Irene and Bill. Ursula died suddenly at Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, on 18 October 1914.

Mr Burns was 35-years and 11-months old when he enlisted for World War One on 28 January 1918. It was not the first time the 35-year-old mill foreman from Adventure Bay had applied to enlist. It was noted on his enlistment form that he had previously been rejected from His Majesty’s service because of a “flat right foot”.

Private Burns embarked from Australia aboard HMAT A14 Euripides on 1 May 1918. On 28 May 1918 he suffered from mumps and was admitted to the hospital ship. On 2 July 1918 he had catarrh and was admitted to Venice Street Auxiliary Hospital in England. Private Burns was diagnosed with influenza on 12 October 1918.

On 19 October 1918 Private Burns marched into Sutton Veny where troops were barracked in order for them to train prior to deployment to northern France.

In late 1918 and 1919, many Australians and prisoners of war died from Spanish influenza at Sutton Veny. The names of 142 Australians and two sisters are recorded in the Australian Chapel in St John's Church and are interred in the churchyard. This part of the graveyard has been classed an Australian War Cemetery.

Hearty welcome home

Private Burns left the United Kingdom for Australia on 27 May 1919 aboard the HT Rio Pardo.

Private Burns was accorded a hearty welcome on his return to Bruny Island. As Private Burns and his mother disembarked from the steamer Dover at the Alonnah jetty they were heartily cheered.  Private Burns was greeted by the Warden of Bruny, Mr. E. H. Pybus, and numerous relatives and friends.

The Bruny residents then gathered at the Alonnah Public Hall, where Private Burns and his mother were seated in a place of honour.

Private Burns was formally welcomed by the Warden, who spoke of the deep gratification all felt in the safe return of Private Burns, and the community's appreciation of his noble service.

Mr Pybus said it was regretted that the influenza and smallpox menace had delayed Private Burns' return, and prevented him from bringing his war-bride to Bruny on this happy occasion, but hoped they would soon have the pleasure of welcoming her to Bruny.

Welcoming soldiers home was important to the Warden of Bruny.  At the welcome home of Private Burns, Mr Pybus apologised to the relatives of Corporal Thomas Dwyer MM, and Private Walter James Murphy (Alonnah's recently returned soldiers) that due to circumstances over which he had no control he was unable to attend their public welcome homes.

Music, cheers and refreshments followed the Warden’s thanks.

William Edward (Ted) Burns died on 27 October 1934.

Acknowledgement

Bruny Island Historical Society

References

“Bruny volunteers”, The Mercury, 11 February 1919, page 6.

“Bruny”, The Mercury 11 August 1919, page 8.

https://suttonveny.co.uk/1st-world-war/

National Archives Australia – William Edward Burns Military Service Records