The AIF Project

Gilbert BIRKBECK

Date of birth15 March 1876
Place of birthBrisbane Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationPublic servant
AddressSavannah P.O., Mackay, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation38
Next of kinWife, Mrs Annie Jacintha Birkbeck, Savannah P.O., Mackay, Queensland
Enlistment date20 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentCaptain
Unit name2nd Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/7/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on 24 September 1914
Rank from Nominal RollMajor
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotions

Major


Unit: 2nd Light Horse
Promotion date: 1 August 1916

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Not specified


Recommendation date: Refers 3-5 August 1916

Distinguished Service Order


Recommendation date: 23 December 1916

Unspecified


Mention in Despatches awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement, No. 30169, 6 July 1917; 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174, 11 October 1917.
Recommendation date: 23 December 1916

FateReturned to Australia 13 March 1919
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great initiative and excellent leadership in moving his squadron over most difficult country round the enemy's left flank, thereby materially assisting in the defeat of the enemy and preventing any escape.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917

Other detailsMedals: Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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