The AIF Project

Francis Victor KIRBY

Regimental number181
Place of birthIpswich England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Address497 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, England
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Samuel Kirby, 497 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, England
Enlistment date8 February 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name22nd Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/39/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll22nd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 21 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 28 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near ESTREES, east of PERONNE, on night 3rd/4th October, 1918. After the attack the enemy kept a continuous barrage of heavy shells on the area across which the signal wires to the firing line ran. This linesman did magnificient work repairing and maintaining these lines, passing and re-passing through the intense barrage. On three separate occasions he went the whole distance to the newly captured position repairing breaks, and showing the utmost determination to keep the communications intact. His untiring work was continued without respite for 36 hours under circumstances of the greatest danger.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 119
Date: 17 October 1919

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