| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL39073.003 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1921 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
British War Medal 1914-20 : Captain H Burke, 5 Battalion, AIF
Description
British War Medal 1914-1920. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
Harold Burke, from Melbourne, enlisted in the AIF at the age of 21 in August 1914. In October 1914, Burke embarked for active service overseas with 5 Battalion, to Egypt. after a period of training in Egypt he embarked to take part in the Gallipoli Campaign. He landed with his battalion on 25 April 1915 as part of the second wave. While at Gallipoli, Burke was promoted through the ranks; firstly to corporal in June, sergeant in August, then 2nd lieutenant in September. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli and return to Egypt, Burke sailed for France and the Western Front in March 1916 with 5 Battalion. It was at this time that he was promoted to lieutenant ,and in August was promoted to captain. In September 1917, Burke was awarded the Military Cross. Captain Burke was killed in action on 24 August 1918 at St Martins Wood near Proyart in France, a few weeks prior to 5 Battalion's disengagement from operations. He is buried at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery in France.