George was born in the Inverell district in 1889 to John and Matilda Burns. He was a twenty four year old farmer at Nullamanna near Inverell when he enlisted in October 1915. As he agreed to serve from 12 January 1916, he was probably among the farmers who requested time to complete their shearing or harvest before leaving for the War. George joined the ranks of The First Contingent of The Kurrajongs who left Inverell that day.
He became a member of the 33rd Battalion, D Company and after training at Armidale and Rutherford departed Australia on HMAT A74 Marathon on 4 May 1916. The Battalion undertook further training at Salisbury Plain, England before being sent to France in November. George was promoted to Lance Corporal in August 1917. The following year received a severe gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was evacuated to hospital in England. Shortly afterwards he returned to Australia and was medically discharged in 1919. His name is inscribed on the Nullamanna and Inverell Honor Roll.
Photo courtesy IDFHG Inc