| Regimental number | 807 |
| Place of birth | Woodville, South Australia |
| Religion | Congregational |
| Occupation | Chemist |
| Address | Victoria Parade, Claremont, Western Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 30 |
| Height | 5' 2" |
| Weight | 105 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, John Napier Birks, Victoria Parade, Claremont, Western Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
| Place of enlistment | Perth, Western Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Sergeant |
| Unit name | 44th Battalion, D Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/61/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 44th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31089, 31 December 1918; 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61, 23 May 1919. Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Fremantle, 6 June 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 21 July 1916. Proceeded to Officers' School, 12 August 1916; marched into 44th Bn from Officers' School, 21 October 1916. Proceeded overseas to France, 25 November 1916. Promoted Lieutenant, 23 June 1917. Detached as Brigade Gas Officer, 20 July 1917. Detached as 3rd Australian Division Gas Officer, 3 December 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 23 December 1917. Detached for duty with 11th Infantry Brigade Headquarters, 23 December 1917. On leave to England, 16 February 1918; rejoined 11th Brigade Headquarters from leave, 6 March 1918. Seconded to 11th Brigade Headquarters for duty as Gas Officer, 26 March 1918. On leave in France, 25 September 1918; rejoined unit from leave, 4 October 1918. Detached to 11th Brigade Headquarters as Education Officer, 25 November 1918. Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, BIRKS Arthur Norman |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
