The AIF Project

Work near Ploegsteert on 8 April 1917.
Recommendation date: 9 April 1917

Recommendation date: 30 September 1917"

'At 3 p.m. on 8th April, 1917, whilst on duty with 107th Battery (Howitzer), in action near PIOEGSTEERT, this man showed conspicuous gallantry and coolness under heavy enemy shell fire. Having obeyed an order to evacuate his Battery position owing to hostile fire, Gunner KIRTON ascertained that one of his comrades was unconscious at the battery position and immediately returned with an Officer, and at great personal risk in order to remove his comrade from danger. The enemy were at this time shelling the Battery with 5.9 H.E. and gas shell at a fast rate. I recommend this man for immediate reward.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174
Date: 11 October 1917

'In the second attack at YPRES on 26th September 1917, Gunner KIRTON, went forward with F.O.O'.s party. This signaller carried a most important dispatch back to Infantry Brigade headquarters through an intense enemy barrage. He then went back towards the front line, selected and established a visual signalling station and maintained communication between F.O.O. and Group entirely by himself for 36 hours. This information sent back was most valuable and enabled the group to smash up several counter attacks. Throughout the whole time he displayed the greatest coolness and devotion to duty, and an absolute disregard for personal safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 66
Date: 2 May 1918