A search of the 1939 National Register (taken in September 1939) for a James Burns living in the Washington district of County Durham (Usworth comes under Washington) has failed to find a James Burns in his 30's.
There were only three James Burns living in the Washington UDC district at that time, they are:
James Burns living at 2 Ash Street, Washington. Date of Birth 24/4/1873. Unmarried, working as a Night watchman.
James Burns living at 11 Tees Terrace, Washington. Date of Birth 14/4/1882. Married, working as a Council road worker. His wife is shown as Mary Burns, Date of Birth 6/11/1885. No other family listed.
James Burns, living at 63 Pattinson Town, Washington. Date of Birth 7/1/1925. Unmarried, working as an Apprentice Joiner. Living with his parents and siblings. Details: Father Joseph F Burns, Date of Birth 12/10/1900 Mother Jane Burns, Date of Birth 3/7/1901. Siblings: Joseph, Date of Birth 6/1/1926; Michael L, Date of Birth 7/11/1929; Peter, Date of Birth 30/11/1936
