[2][3] Burch’s military career began in 1893, when at age 18 he enlisted in the Canadian Militia as a Trooper (a Private in the Cavalry) with B Squadron of the 2nd Dragoons, his father’s regiment.

From his time attending the cavalry school, He became very popular with the officers stationed at Stanley Barracks and was well known for his horsemanship, swordsmanship and leadership abilities.

Assigned to A Squadron of the battalion, Burch would see constant action in South Africa and was well known as a cool-headed, quick-witted and brave officer.

[1][5] John Reeves, the colonel of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, wrote, “In the few words I spoke to you (Colonel Lessard) last night at the funeral of your two very gallant officers I am afraid I failed to convey the deep gratitude my regiment owes to the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles for their gallantry in going so nobly and fearlessly to the succour of our beleaguered detachment at Witpoort yesterday.

At CFB Petawawa in Ontario, his name along with that of Borden appears on a Memorial Plaque – Brass Tablet located at the entrance of the Headquarters of The Royal Canadian Dragoons.