Thomas Burns

Killed in Action on the 25/04/1915 at the Battle of St. Julien (part of the 2nd Battles of Ypres)

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 22/08/1914 and were part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division. Thomas arrived on the 14/09/1914. Thomas was Killed in Action when the 2nd Battalion was rushed forward on the 23/04/1915 to stem the German breakthrough after the first gas attack of the War. The Dublins then went into the line at Mousetrap Farm. Thomas fell at the Battle of St Julien. This was part of the Battles of Ypres, 1915 (Second Ypres) : 22nd of April - 25th of May 1915 : Often known as the Second Battle of Ypres, this began with surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the battle developed into the second epic in that area. SEE PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY MARCH - APRIL 1915. The War Diary states casualties on the 25/04/1915 : Killed - 45, Other Ranks Wounded - 80, Missing - 371. The casualty totals from the 25/04/1915 - 25/05/1915 : Officers - 24 Killed, 14 Wounded, 2 Missing, Other Ranks - 103 Killed, 291 Wounded, 1094 Missing. Thomas is also remembered on the St. Mary's Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for Thomas' Medal Index Card, his listing in Ireland Casualties WW1, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects (Mrs Clara Downie stated as Guardian), his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Cap Badge, Thomas' Service Records x 12 (records 11 and 12 state Mrs Clara Downie as receiving Thomas' belongings. These were a pouch, religious badge, 2 letters and an identity disc) and the 4th Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division he was with when he died).