| Accession Number | P11678.002 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Johnson, William |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Sydney, Manly |
| Date made | c 1915-1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Photographer's copy, portrait of Richard Norman Kirby
Description
Studio portrait of 2305 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Richard Norman Kirby, 20th Battalion. L Cpl Kirby was one of three Kirby brothers, all of whom served during the First World War. They were the sons of Samuel Charles and Katherine Kirby. Samuel immigrated to Australia from Britain, while Katherine was an indigenous Australian born in Warren, NSW, who grew up on Haddon Station.
Richard Norman Kirby joined A Company of the 20th Battalion at Gallipoli in November 1915. He served with the battalion as a Lewis gunner until he was wounded while attacking a machine gun on 11 August 1918; he managed to capture two machine guns and fourteen Germans, and would later be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the action. He died on 20 August 1918 of wounds received during the action. 2435 Robert Kirby enlisted on 22nd of April 1916, joining the 54th Battalion. He served with the 54th until he was returned to Australia and medically discharged. 2438 George Kirby enlisted on 22nd of April 1916, joining the 54th Battalion. He was gassed on 17 October 1917 and returned to Australia for discharge in December 1917. Portrait is inscribed "Copied by W Johnson - 2 Corso Manly".