World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. On May 10, 1918, the motor launch Lieutenant Bourke was commanding near the port of Ostend, Belgium, was severely damaged by enemy fire. In the midst of heavy German machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Bourke rescued three crew members. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on September 11, 1918. Prior to the start of World War II, Bourke was instrumental in organizing a Fishermen's Reserve, to patrol the west coast of Canada. During the war, he served as Lieutenant Commander on the HMCS Burrard and retired as a Commander from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. On May 10, 1918, the motor launch Lieutenant Bourke was commanding near the port of Ostend, Belgium, was severely damaged by enemy fire. In the midst of heavy German machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Bourke rescued three crew members. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on September 11, 1918. Prior to the start of World War II, Bourke was instrumental in organizing a Fishermen's Reserve, to patrol the west coast of Canada. During the war, he served as Lieutenant Commander on the HMCS Burrard and retired as a Commander from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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