Sorry I did not mention the Navy before but I just had a memory of it
James was born 02/02/1851 Coventry Do you know if this is definitely correct?
From UK archives:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8362711&queryType=1&resultcount=39 Name Burke, James
Place of Birth: St Michael, Warwick
Continuous Service Number: 37328A
Date of Volunteering: 25 June 1866
Date: 02 February 1851Catalogue reference: ADM 139/774
Dept: Records of the Admiralty, Naval Forces, Royal Marines, Coastguard, and related bodies
Series: Admiralty: Royal Navy Continuous Service Engagement Books
Piece: 37301A - 37400A
Even though it is not stated anywhere on the website, of the 4 records that I have downloaded from this record series the "Date" reference has always been their date of birth.
This record can be downloaded very cheaply from the above link.
Debra
