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Alec Mann Kirton (1893–1916)

Alec Mann Kirton, n.d. photographer unknown

Alec Mann Kirton, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

ALEC MANN KIRTON was born on 4th November, 1893, at Bunbury, Western Australia, the son of Mr. Richard Gervase Kirton and Mrs. M. A. Kirton. He was educated at the Bunbury Public School, and entered the service of the Bank at Perth, Western Australia, on 19th September, 1911. He was transferred to the Fremantle Branch as ledger-keeper on 22nd July, 1912.

Alec Mann Kirton enlisted on 17th August, 1914, and left Australia with the 11th Battalion of the A.I.F. As a boy he had taken a keen interest in military matters, reading any books he could get on military history and tactics. He joined the Cadet Force and was a lieutenant in the Senior Cadets before enlisting. He was present at the Landing on 25th April, 1915, at the Dardanelles, and served on the peninsula for some time. He was invalided to Egypt and was booked for a voyage to Australia, but not liking the idea of being out of service altogether, he obtained an appointment on the staff of the School of Instruction for Officers and N.C.O.’s in Egypt. According to a newspaper account he quickly showed exceptional ability, especially at musketry, and was promoted to sergeant-instructor —the only Australian engaged in that capacity at that time. A scheme for teaching a certain stage of musketry practice was invented by him, which imparted as much knowledge in half an hour as was taught by old methods in a day. One of the officers wrote enthusiastically of his inventive genius and of his patience as an instructor. It was intended to utilise his services as an instructor in England, but he died about 23rd February, 1916.

Original Publication

Additional Resources and Scholarship

Citation details

'Kirton, Alec Mann (1893–1916)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/kirton-alec-mann-23445/text32513, accessed 6 December 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Alec Mann Kirton, n.d. photographer unknown

Alec Mann Kirton, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Kirton, Alexander Mann
Birth

4 November, 1893
Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia

Death

18 February, 1916 (aged 22)
Heliopolis, Egypt

Cause of Death

war wounds

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation or Descriptor
Military Service
Workplaces