Latest News
William Clarence Burton is one of 21 young men who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, or in the Korean War.
Photo via Canadian Virtual War Memorial
In honour of our soldiers: AB Clarence Burton
Published 12:57 PDT, Wed June 4, 2025
—
Following up on our Richmond poppy street signs, we moved onto the young soldiers whose names were inscribed on the Richmond Cenotaph. Those names are compiled of 21 young men who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, or in the Korean War.
Clarence Burton was born on Aug. 11, 1917 to Mrs. Gilbert McKenzie, he was the younger son and attended school in Richmond alongside his siblings. They resided on Steveston Highway, until one year when their mother decided to sell her holdings on Steveston Highway and moved to Oshawa with Clarence’s older brother Chess and his young bride.
Clarence would choose to stay in Richmond, enlisting in 1941 and joining the Royal Canadian Navy. Determined to serve his country, Clarence unfortunately developed appendicitis in May 1942. By the time he recovered, his role to sail with a mine sweeper turned into serving on a convoy between New Foundland and England.
In March of 1943, Clarence was wounded and suffered from blood poisoning in his arm but would go onto recover. Tragically, on May 7, 1944, the HMCS Valleyfield was torpedoed by a German submarine, hitting the boiler room causing it to break in two. William Clarence Burton would be one of 125 crew members aboard that would perish, fellow Richmond resident David Edgar Brown was also amongst the members.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
