Distinguished Conduct Medal: Lance Corporal Richard Norman Kirby, 20 Battalion, AIF

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) awarded to 2305 Lance Corporal Richard Norman Kirby, 20th Battalion, AIF. Richard was born in Dubbo, New South Wales and was working as a labourer when he enlisted 30 July 1915. He was 24 years old. During his service with the 20th Battalion, Kirby was wounded in France and died from his wounds there on 20 August 1918. He was 27 years old. He is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Haute-Normandie, France.

The citation for his DCM reads as follows:

For his actions during the attack on RAINECOURT, east of AMIENS on 11 August 1918. Part of the company was held up by heavy M.G. fire from the left flank, which caused several casualties. This N.C.O. rushed the post single-handedly and although wounded by a M.G. bullet, succeeded in capturing and holding the two M.Gs. which were manned by 14 of the enemy, until the remainder of his section came up to his assistance. By this act he set a fine example of bravery and coolness to the remainder of his section.

This Distinguished Conduct Medal group is highly significant to the Memorial as it was the first DCM to the National Collection that was awarded to an Australian soldier of Aboriginal ancestry. In addition to Kirby, several other members of the AIF with Australian Aboriginal ancestry were awarded the highly prestigious DCM including Albert Knight and William Allan Irwin.

• 1914-15 Star : Lance Corporal R N Kirby, 20 Battalion AIF
• British War Medal 1914-20 : Lance Corporal R N Kirby, 20 Battalion AIF
• Victory Medal : Lance Corporal R N Kirby, 20 Battalion AIF