World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Buckley, Flintshire, North Wales, he migrated to Australia in 1913 and with the advent of World War I, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. On September 20, 1917, during the Battle of Menin Road, Belgium, 2nd Lieutenant Birks and a Corporal attacked a German pillbox which was holding up the advance. The Corporal was wounded but 2nd Lieutenant Birks went on, killing those in the pillbox and capturing a machine-gun. Later he led a small party against another strong point, capturing 16 men and killing or wounding nine others. The following day, while trying to rescue some of his men who had been buried by an explosion, 2nd Lieutenant Birks was killed by a shell. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on November 8, 1917.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Buckley, Flintshire, North Wales, he migrated to Australia in 1913 and with the advent of World War I, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. On September 20, 1917, during the Battle of Menin Road, Belgium, 2nd Lieutenant Birks and a Corporal attacked a German pillbox which was holding up the advance. The Corporal was wounded but 2nd Lieutenant Birks went on, killing those in the pillbox and capturing a machine-gun. Later he led a small party against another strong point, capturing 16 men and killing or wounding nine others. The following day, while trying to rescue some of his men who had been buried by an explosion, 2nd Lieutenant Birks was killed by a shell. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on November 8, 1917.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
GREATER LOVE
HATH NO MAN THAN THIS
THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS
Family Members
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