The AIF Project

Hunter Wharton KIRKE

Regimental number396
Date of birth--/06/1894
Place of birthArmidale New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
Address'Bongaree', Fairlight Crescent, Manly, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, S W Kirke, 'Bongaree', Fairlight Crescent, Manly, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date13 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name19th Battalion, A Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF19
Promotion date: 28 June 1917

Lieutenant


Unit: INF17
Promotion date: 25 November 1917

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Refers 5 June 1918.
Recommendation date: 12 June 1918

FateReturned to Australia 4 June 1919
Medals

Military Cross

''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a post of 20 men with a Lewis gun. Some 300 of the enemy attacked the trenches, an about 40 succeeded in crossing the line on the left of his post. Leaving a Lewis gun and crew in his own post, he immediately organized a counter attack with the remainder of his men, and, forming a defensive flank, brought heavy enfilade fire to bear, which greatly impeded the advancing enemy. In conjunction with an officer and twelve other ranks from another post he rushed the enemy only four of whom escaped. He personally captured a machine gun, and his party captured four prisoners.''
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

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