Queen's South Africa Medal and three clasps (Cape Colony, Orange Free State,
Transvaal), King's South Africa Medal and two clasps (1901, 1902), 1914 Star and bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal,
King George VI Defence Medal.
There is a lot more research that needs to be done on this group although Alexander Burns's service
record does not appear to have survived in the WO363 and WO364 series at the National Archives. His number indicates
that he joined the Royal Highlanders in late 1898 or early 1899 and he may have been with the original draft when the 2nd
Royal Highlanders embarked for South Africa from Tilbury Docks on 22nd October 1899. The battalion comprised 29 officers
and 887 men and they sailed aboard the SS Orient. Alexander's Boer War medals are inscribed to 7162 Pte A Burns, 2nd
Rl Highlanders.
When the First World War was declared, Alexander Burns should have completed his seven years with the
coulors and five on the Reserve. It seems possible though that he either extended his service before war was declared
or rejoined his old regiment and was allowed to retain his earlier number. Certainly, by 26th August 1914 he was in
France albeit with the 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders rather than his old battalion. His medal card indicates his entitlement
to the three WW1 medals noted above, as well as the clasp and roses. He was also entitled to a silver war badge (not
in this collection) and was discharged from the army as no longer physically fit for war service, on 9th August 1915.
Alexander Burns's six medals are owned by Niharika Sangma Nixon.
