Son of Thomas Bryson Kinniburgh and Jessie Kinniburgh (nee Graham), Shelton Lodge Kirn, Argyllshire. He appears to have served as a Steward on board the Duchess of Rothesay, City of Paris and Tuscania at some points in 1915

The Steamship "Ava" 5,076 tons, build 1906 for British & Burmese S.N. Co. & Burmah S.S. Co. left Liverpool for Dakar and Ragoon on January 26th. 1917 with coal and general cargo, but was not seen again. She was presumed to have been sunk by a submarine. She had a crew of 92 including the captain.