Major Herbert Ralph Birch

Service number 16692, VX47997
Ranks Held Private, Major
Birth Date 1896-02-20
Birth Place Australia: Victoria, Barraport
Final Rank Major
Service Australian Army
Units
  • 2/23rd Australian Infantry Battalion
  • 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion
Place Barraport
Conflicts/Operations
  • First World War, 1914-1918
  • Second World War, 1939-1945
Gazettes Published in London Gazette in 1942-06-30

Rolls

Timeline

Date of birth 20 February 1896 Barraport, VIC.
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs) 09 March 1916
Date of embarkation 17 January 1917
Date commissioned 30 October 1936
Other units 30 October 1936 Lieutenant with the 29/22nd Battalion.
Date promoted 06 February 1939 Appointed captain.
Other units 1939-08-01 - 1940-07-23 Temporary major and commanding officer 22nd Battalion.
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs) 23 July 1940 Enlisted 2nd AIF.
Other units 01 August 1940 Seconded as 2nd in Charge 2/23rd Battalion.
Date promoted 26 September 1940 Appointed major.
Other 17 December 1940 Arrived Middle East.
Other 1941-07-16 - 1941-08-16 Course - Middle East Tactical School (Senior Officers).
Date returned to Australia 07 August 1942 Returned to Melbourne.
Other units 1942-08-07 - 1944-03-15 Temporary lieutenant colonel, commanding officer 26th Australian Motor Regiment.
Date of honour or award 14 October 1942 Mention in Despatches.
Other 1943-12-23 - 1944-01-18 Course - Land Headquarters School of Artillery.
Date promoted 06 January 1944 Appointed lieutenant colonel.
Other 05 April 1944 Reserve of Officers.