Walter Edward Kirwan

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 24/03/2017 - 10:43

First Name:

Walter

Middle Name:

Edward

Last Name:

Kirwan

Date of Birth:

Monday, March 22, 1886

Mother's Name:

Delia Kirwan nee Kelly

Father's Name:

Nicholas Kirwan

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, April 20, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Lance Corporal

Unit:

17th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, April 17, 1935

Details:

Walter Kirwan (Service No 1574) was born in Hawker, South Australia.

At the time of enlistment Walter was single, 27 years of age and employed as a winch driver in Wollongong. Walter embarked on HMAT A32 - Themistocles with 17th Battalion, 1st Reinforcements on 12 May 1915.

Walter arrived in Egypt and was sent to Gallipoli, Turkey on 12 August where he took part in the Hill 60 Battle. The 17th Battalion served long periods at Quinns Post.

On 27 October 1915, Walter was admitted to hospital in Malta for treatment of a shrapnel wound to his left leg. Walter was returned to duty in Egypt on 4 December 1915.

The 17th Battalion arrived in France on 25 May 1916 and took part in the Battle for Pozieres. Walter was wounded in action on 26 July 1916 and admitted to hospital for treatment of a shrapnel wound to his left buttock and thigh. He was discharged and returned to duty on 17 February 1917.

On 10th June 1917, Walter was promoted to Lance Corporal and saw service on the Western Front until the end of the War.

Walter took leave in England after the War to study and was returned to Australia in July 1919 and subsequently discharged on 7 September 1919.

Walter died in 1935 and is buried in Botany Cemetery.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, KIRWAN WALTER EDWARD