Military History

Embarked Fremantle per ‘Medic’ 18.1.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 7th Infantry Brigade, 28th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement.
Birch disembarked with the 7th Reinforcement, 28th Battalion at Alexandria 16.2.1916. He joined the British Expeditionary Force and embarked at Alexandria per HT ‘Oriana’ for France 21.3.1916. Birch disembarked at Marseilles 21.3.1916 and was taken on Strength with the 28th Battalion 3.5.1916. The 28th Battalion was part of the Australian Second Division and first fought in the frontline battle in France, at Pozieres from July-August 1916. Birch was appointed Lance Corporal 18.1.1917. There are few records to show exactly where Birch served, however, he would probably have participated in some of the battles the 28th Battalion was engaged in, including, the Second Battle of Bullecourt, Menin Road, Broodseinde Ridge and Poelcapelle. Birch marched out from France for England and return to Australia 22.1.1919.
Embarked Devonport for Australia per ‘Castalia’ 13.4.1919.
Returned/Disembarked 24.5.1919.
Discharged 16.7.1919.
Final Rank Lance Corporal, 28th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Photos HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph source AWM H19319
             Shell craters at Pozieres 1916. Photographer , photograph source AWM E00508
             Broodseinde Ridge. Australian Troops in Front Line Trenches October 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00948
Information Source
AWM H19319. HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00508. Shell craters at Pozieres 1916. Photographer , photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00948. Broodseinde Ridge. Australian Troops in Front Line Trenches October 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial Embarkation Roll- William Edgar Birch
Guildford War Memorial
NAA: B2455, Birch W E

Guildford, WA. (Workplace)
Harvey Street, Cottesloe, WA (Father)

 

Associated Images