1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45 - all unnamed as awarded with condolence award slip in original box of issue addressed to Mr R. Burns, The Cross, Stonehouse, Lanarkshire.
Third Radio Officer James Russell Burns Merchant Navy was only 29 years old when he was Killed in Action. Born in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire in 1912 he was a Third Radio Officer aboard the SS Empire Ability when she was sunk by enemy action south of the Canary Islands on 26.6.1941. U-Boat 69 attacked a convoy of which she was part, sinking the cargo ship Empire Ability en route from South Africa to Liverpool with the loss of 2 of her crew - Burns and Albert Trotman.
Burns was reported as "missing presumed drowned" after being hit by a torpedo at 02h37 on 26 June 1941 - she caught fire and sank after 21 minutes. He was killed on the same day as his cousin, Squadron Leader Alex Torrance, was wounded flying in the defence of Malta.
Sold with some copied research. The medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
