James Richard Henry Burns

Burns was born in England, on 31 December 1916.^[2] He was educated at Eastbourne College,^[3] and would go on to marry Rosamund (née Ward-Jackson). He commenced his tenure with the Federated Malay States (FMS) Police in 1937, progressing through various ranks: Assistant Superintendent by 1940, Superintendent by 1950, Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Federation of Malaya by 1953, and finally, Senior Assistant Commissioner by 1957.^[4][5]

Burns served as an RBPF Commissioner from 12 August 1966 until 15 August 1975.^[4] During his tenure, he also became a member of the Privy Council.^[6] On 16 March 1967, he attended the graduation of 39 recruits at the police headquarters in Brunei Town.^[7] Later that year in August, he would visit the 150 recruits training at the Royal Malaysian Police training academy in Kuala Lumpur.^[8]

Burns died on 26 December 2002, in the United Kingdom.^[4]

Burns was bestowed the Manteri title Yang Dimuliakan (The Exalted One) Pehin Datu Pahlawan Diraja on 19 April 1973.^[9] He also received other titles such as Dato Seri Pahlawan, and other awards of recognition during his lifetime service to the Brunei government.^[4] Additionally, he has been known to have the following honours:^[10][6][11]

National

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE; 1962)
• King's Police Medal (KPM; 1953)^[3]
• Colonial Police Medal (CPM; 1947)^[3]

Foreign

• Brunei:
  • Order of Pahlawan Negara Brunei First Class (PSPNB; 1971) – Dato Seri Pahlawan
  • Order of Setia Negara Brunei Second Class (DSNB) – Dato Setia
  • Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)^[12]
  • Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
• Malaysia:
  • Companion of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (JMN)
• Perak:
  • Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)^[2]