Burton's military career began in the 2nd Troop of Horse Grenadier Guards, where he rose to the rank of Major, serving under George Augustus Eliott, the defender of Gibraltar In 1754, Burton was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 48th Foot, which was involved in the captures of Quebec in 1759 and of Martinique and Havanna in 1762.
Following the return of civilian rule under the newly appointed Governor, General James Murray, Burton was made brigadier (commander) of the army in the new British province of Quebec.
Despite being an influential figure in Canadian military and geopolitical history, little is known about Burton's life outside of the Army.
A daughter Mary, his eventual heir, married General Napier Christie, who adopted the surname Burton.
[1] A memorial to Ralph Burton is in St. Mary's Church, Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire