Born in Ballan, Victoria and aa Labourer by trade, Thomas Burns was 24 years and single when enlisted on the 28th of September 1914 in the Field Artillery Brigade 2, Reinforcement 1, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Driver, Number 3207. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A30 'Borda' on the 22nd of December 1914. On the 26th of February 1916 admitted sick to Hospital, conjunctivitis Serapeum and was listed as returned to Australia per 'Port Sydney' on the 8th of October 1918 and Disembarked on the 2nd of December 1918. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 31st of January 1919 with the termination of period of enlistment. Tree No. 295