Bede Carnot KIRTON

Regimental number29307
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationDairy farmer
AddressBulli, South Coast, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, S T Kirton, Park Road, Bulli, New South Wales
Previous military service37th Infantry
Enlistment date8 May 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll24 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameHowitzer Brigade 117
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/136/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 September 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Divisional Signal Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


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

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 30 September 1917"

FateReturned to Australia 12 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'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

Bar to Military Medal

'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

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsSee 29307 Bede Carnot Clarence KIRTON for first period of service.
Date of death5 June 1955
Place of burialMacquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, North Ryde, New South Wales