Military History

Kirby initially enlisted with 18th Reinforcements 11th Battalion 4.4.1916. He transferred to the 44th Battalion 18.4.1916 and finally prepared to leave Australia with the 13th Reinforcements 28th Battalion.
Embarked Fremantle per ‘Seang Bee’ to England 18.7.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 28th Battalion 13th Reinforcements.
Kirby disembarked with the 13th Reinforcements 28th Battalion at Plymouth 9.9.1916. He marched in to the 7th Training Battalion Rollestone 10.9.1916. The 7th Training Battalion embarked for France per ‘Henrietta’ via Folkestone 3.11.1916. He was taken on strength with the 28th Battalion 18.11.916 and served in the trenches on the Somme, through the harsh winter of 1916/17. Kirby served as batman to Lieutenant Teague whilst at the front. In April 1917, the 28th Battalion fought near Armentieres and Lagnicourt, France. Kirby was reported wounded in action 26.3.1917, this was subsequently changed to KIA 26.3.1917 at Lagnicourt, France whilst despatch running. Red Cross Files state he was killed by the same shell that killed Lieutenant Teague (AWM Red Cross File). He was buried at Bailleul Rd. Plot 3, Row C, Grave 13, 2 ¼ miles NE of Arras. In 1922 his remains were re interred to a new grave at Bailleul Rd. East British Cemetery, Plot 3, Row C, Grave 15, St. Laurent Blangy, Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France.
Final Rank Private, 28th Infantry Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Medical Condition Deceased, KIA.
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes His name appears in obituaries under the surname of Bowyer as per his mother 's name (West Australian Newspaper  4.5.1917)
Photos Soldier in 'Spain Avenue', Houplines Sector, Armentieres, December 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph AWM H16988
             Ruins of Lagnicourt Church 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E04580
            Obituary Kirby-Bowyer. Image source West Australian Newspaper  26.3.1918 p1 Family Notices
Information Source
AWM H16988. Soldier in 'Spain Avenue', Houplines Sector, Armentieres, December 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E04580. Ruins of Lagnicourt Church 1917, Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial.
AWM H12659. Bailleul Cemetery and shrine. Photograph donor Sir Herbert Ellison, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll Trevor Hart
AWM Red Cross File Trevor Hart Kirby
AWM Roll of Honour- Trevor Hart Kirby
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
Guildford Grammar School War Memorial
NAA: B2455, Kirby T H
West Australian Newspaper


Wanneroo Rd. Osborne Park. WA.

Associated Images