Norman Burns joined Aberdeenshire Constabulary in 1939 and was posted to Fraserburgh. In 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the 2nd Police Intake to Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Posted to No.1 Commando serving with them in North Africa (Operation Torch). He left the commando on being selected for officer training and was posted to the Officer Cadet Training Unit (O.C.T.U.). On the 2nd September 1944 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders serving in the Far East. He re-joined the Police after the war and was posted to Cults in 1946. He retired as a Chief Superintendent in 1975. Member of the Commando Association later residing Elgin, Morayshire.