BIRD, David
| Service Number: | 2633 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 26 July 1916, Melbourne, Vic. |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 59th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Harrow, Victoria, Australia, 24 May 1885 |
| Home Town: | Inglewood, Loddon, Victoria |
| Schooling: | State School, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation: | Police constable |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Belgium, 26 September 1917, aged 32 years |
| Cemetery: |
Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood Plot XII, Row B, Grave No. 6, |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Inglewood War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 26 Jul 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2633, 59th Infantry Battalion, Melbourne, Vic. | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Oct 1916: | Involvement Private, 2633, 59th Infantry Battalion, Third Ypres, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '20' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Nestor embarkation_ship_number: A71 public_note: '' | |
| 2 Oct 1916: | Embarked Private, 2633, 59th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Nestor, Melbourne |
Mounted Constable David Bird† 5432
Officer in Charge, Police Station, Rainbow, Victoria
Seeing his first light of day in the Wimmera regional town of Harrow, western Victoria, overlooking the Glenelg River valley, the parents of David Bird, together with his four surviving siblings, welcomed his 1885 arrival.
Kout Narin, on the banks of the Glenelg River near Harrow, was originally taken up in 1840 by Thomas Norris as a 400,000 acre pastoral run. This was one of the largest of the early pastoral holdings in the colony at Port Phillip. Third child, 4 weeks of age Mary Anne Bird, was registered to have died at Kout Narin in 1874 whilst the four surviving children were registered to have been born at Balmoral, Victoria between 1872-1876.
Wombelano, 17 km south of Harrow, features in the 1890 registered birth of John Richard Bird as well as the 1942 Coleraine death of mother, Ann [1850-1942]. Her husband, Cambridgeshire, England born, 62 years of age William Bird, died at Coleraine, Victoria in 1911.
Ann Bird [nee Niven]
On February 17, at the residence of her daughter [Mrs. L. A. Benson], Coleraine, Ann, loving wife of the late William Bird [late of Wombelano], and loved mother of Ellen [Mrs. G. P. Moylan, Coleraine], Charles [Horsham], Amos [deceased], Margaret [Mrs. Walker, N.Z.], Lucy [Mrs. Carter, Carnegie], David [deceased], Ernest [deceased], Jack [Coleraine], Frank [Ararat], and Irene [Mrs. L. A. Benson], aged 92 years.
Sharing his Harrow birth place with five other siblings, upon receiving a state school education, David Bird perhaps undertook employment as a farm labourer prior to being appointed to the Victoria Police Force on 29 October 1908.
Graduating, on 18 December 1908, Constable David Bird 5432 initially undertook police duties at Russell Street prior to transferring to Carlton in March 1909.
Qualifying as a Mounted Constable, David Bird transferred to Inglewood in 1910, marrying, on 8 January 1913, respected local state school teacher, Agnes Mary Shepherd [1888-1987], – the daughter of Charles Francis and Janet Liddle [nee McPherson] Shepherd.
During the four years stationed at Inglewood, Mounted Constable David Bird, by his unassuming, pleasant manner, together with the courteous yet thorough discharge of his duties, won good opinions from all with whom he had dealings. Although his transfer from Inglewood to Rainbow involved his promotion, the news was received with considerable regret.
Two years following, having obtained an extended leave of absence from the Victoria Police Force, David Bird enlisted for active service with the Australian Imperial Expeditionary Forces. Immediately arranging to enter camp, a hurriedly convened meeting of representatives of the local branch of the A.N.A., of which David was a past president, the Patriotic Committee, Presbyterian Church, as well as the Red Cross Society, with which Mrs. Agnes Bird was actively associated, was held culminating in a social at the Mechanics' Hall.
During her husband’s term of service, Agnes Bird resided with her parents, Mr and Mrs Charles Shepherd, in Brooke Street North, Inglewood. The Charles and Janet Shepherd family mourned as their 25 years of age son, the 28 June 1915 enlisted, Private Frank Shepherd was killed in action, on 15 July 1916, at Flanders, France. Merely 10 days following the enlistment of son-in-law, 31 years of age, David Bird.
Assigned regimental number 2633, in the 59th Australian Infantry Battalion, 15th Brigade, 31 years of age, Private David Bird, on 5 July 1916, became part of the 6th Reinforcement of the 59th Battalion. Originally raised as a unit of the First Australian Imperial Force [AIF] in Egypt on 18 February 1916, forming an expansion of the AIF following the conclusion of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Entering the Castlemaine camp, prior to embarking on 2 October 1916 aboard A71 Nestor, Dave Bird, on 23 October 1916, appointed Lance Corporal for the voyage reverting to Private upon disembarkation at Plymouth, England for further training at 15th Training Battalion, Hurdcott.
Crossing to France on 30 December 1916, 175.26 cm, 65.7 kgs, Dave Bird marched into the 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot [ADBD] at Etaples the day following. Proceeding to join the 59th Battalion, Dave was, on 14 March 1917, taken on strength in the field.
Admitted, on 1 May 1917, to the 56th Casualty Clearing Station [CCS] diagnosed with mumps, caused by the mumps virus it is spread through contact with an infected person. A serious disease capable of leading to inflammation of the brain [encephalitis]; inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord [meningitis]; as well as inflammation of the heart [myocarditis].
Causing sufficient concern, Dave Bird was admitted, on 23 May 1917, to the 6th General Field Hospital, Ruen, to be discharged, on 9 July 1917, to rejoin his 59th Battalion, on 2 August 1917.
Completing its February 1916 Egypt formation, the 5th Division, including the 59th Battalion arrived in France on 23 June 1916, a month prior to Dave Bird’s enlistment. Experiencing its first taste of Western Front hostilities during the disasterous Battle of Fromelles, the 59th sustained heavy losses as the courageous soldiers were subjected to heavy, continuous, entrenched machine gun fire, hence the need for reinforcement.
During early 1917, in an effort to shorten their lines of communication, the Germans withdrew to prepared positions of the Hindenburg Line allowing a brief Allies advance.
During this phase of the war the depleted 59th Battalion played a defensive role at the end of the Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917, holding the ground that the Australians had gained earlier in the fighting.
Later in the year, the Australians were transferred to Belgium where, on 2 August 1917, Dave Bird rejoined the 59th Battalion fighting, in late September 1917, in the Battle of Polygon Wood.
Taking place from 26 September to 3 October 1917, during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Polygon Wood was fought near Ypres, Belgium, in the area from the Menin road to Polygon Wood and thence north, to the area beyond St Julien. Much of the woodland had been destroyed by the huge quantity of shellfire from both sides since 16 July 1917 with possession of the area changing hands hands several times.
Continuing a series of general attacks, led by lines of skirmishers, followed by small artillery supported infantry colums advancing behind five layers of creeping barrage, the advance was planned to cover 1,000–1,500 yards [910–1,370 metres]. Halting on easier to defend reverse slopes, enclosing ground which gave observation of German reinforcement routes and counter-attack assembly areas.
Designed to swiftly defeat German counter-attacks, by mopping-up and consolidating the captured ground with defences in depth, the attack inflicted a severe blow on the German 4th Army, causing many losses, capturing a significant portion of Flandern I Stellung, the fourth German defensive position, which threatened the German hold on Broodseinde ridge.
The drier weather continued to benefit the British attackers by solidifying the ground and raising mist obscuring British infantry attacks made around dawn. Clearing morning mist revealed German counter-attack formations to air and ground observation, well in advance of their arrival on the battlefield.
The leading waves of lightly equipped Allies infantry were followed by files or small groups ready to swarm around ensconsed German defences uncovered by the skirmish lines.
Upon capturing one or two objectives, the first wave advanced to the final objective, particular units were allotted to mop-up and occupy areas behind the most advanced troops, ensuring pockets of Germans, overrun by the foremost troops, were killed or captured, before they could emerge from shelter and re-join the battle.
Increased emphasis was placed on Lewis guns, rifle-fire and rifle-grenades. Hand-grenades were given less emphasis in favour of more rifle training. The proportion of smoke ammunition for rifle grenades and Stokes mortars was increased, to blind the occupants of German pillboxes as they were being surrounded.
Forming part of a seven man Lewis gun team, Dave Bird knew all were capable, whilst blindfolded, of completely stripping down before restoring the 104 component machine gun in one minute. The ‘First Gunner’ carried the 13 kg fully 47 rounds of ammunition loaded gun as well as a revolver; the ‘second gunner, a bag of spare parts, whilst the remaining five carried pans of ammunition. All members were capable of firing, as well as effecting repairs to, the gun.
During the initial day of the Battle of Polygon Wood, Lance Corporal/Mounted Constable David Bird was killed in action to be buried on the battlefield, later exhumed, the policeman/soldier was buried in Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium Grave Ref: XII. B. 6.
Remarrying, in 1920, to returned serviceman, Charles Robert Boyle, mother of two, 99 years of age, Agnes Mary Shepherd Bird died at Cheltenham in 1987 [22072/1987].
David Bird
To the the cherished memory of my beloved husband, 2633 Lance Corporal David Bird, Lewis Machine Gunner, 59th Battalion, killed in action at Polygon Wood, Flanders, on 26 September 1917; also my dear brothers, Frank Shepherd, 57th Battalion [formerly 6th Battalion], killed in action at Fleurbaix, Pozieres, on 15 July, 1916; and Archie Shepherd [Anzac 3rd Divisional Signal Company], died of wounds at St. Omer, France, on 3 Nov, 1917.
Oh, you brave best,
Teach all the rest,
How pure the heart and high,
When one loves England well enough,
For England to die.
My splendid husband.
- Inserted by his devoted wife, Agnes M. Bird, Inglewood.
Submitted 19 April 2022 by GRANT BEASLEY
Biography contributed by Heather Ford
David Bird was born on the 24th May 1885 at Harrow, Vic (reg. 10487) – the son of William BIRD and Ann NIVEN, who married in Victoria in 1871. Ann died in 1942 at Coleraine, aged 92.
Siblings include: Ellen Elizabeth b.1872 – marr. Geo P. MOYLAN 1893; Charles Niven b. Balmoral 1873-1958; Mary Anne b. & d.1874; [all following born Harrow] Emily Margaret b.1879; Louisa Flo b.1881; Ernest Alex b.1888; John Richard 1890-1968; Francis Hector 1893-1971; Annie Irene b.1896
Nephew: Bertie Alexander MOYLAN b.1896 Casterton – WW1: L/Cpl 524, 39th Bn
Religion: Presbyterian
Occupations: Labourer. Mounted Police Constable No. 5432 – joined Victoria Police 29/10/1908. Served Melbourne – then Inglewood 1910 – 1914, and was posted to Rainbow in April 1914 – until his enlistment.
Vice President of the Inglewood branch and President of the Rainbow branch of the Australian Native’s Association.
Married: Agnes Mary SHEPHERD on 8th January 1913 at Inglewood (reg. 2227R) – the daughter of Charles Francis and Janet Liddle (nee McPHERSON) SHEPHERD, and sister of Archie and Frank SHEPHERD
[Agnes was born in 1888 at Inglewood and was a State School Teacher prior to marriage. She remarried in 1920, to a returned Inglewood soldier, Charles Robert BOYLE. They apparently had 2 children, and Charles died at Caulfield in 1968, Agnes in 1987.]
David stood just under 5ft 9in tall and weighed 145lbs when he enlisted for WW1. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and black hair. His wife moved back to Inglewood after his enlistment, where she lived with her parents until her re-marriage in 1920.
WW1 Service:
David enlisted in the AIF on the 5th July 1916 at Melbourne aged 31yrs 1mth. He embarked on the A71 Nestor 2/10/1916 as Private 2633 with the 6th Reinforcements of the 59th Battalion. Appointed Lance Corporal on the 23/10/1916 for the voyage only and reverted to Private following his disembarkation at Plymouth and arrival at the 15th Training Battalion at Hurdcott on the 16/11/1916. Crossed to France on the Princess Clementine 30/12/1916 and marched into the 5th ADBD at Etaples the following day. Proceeded to join his Unit, the 59th Bn, 12/3/1917 and taken on strength in the field on the 14/3/1917.
Admitted to the 56th Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) with Mumps 1/5/1917, and transferred to the 61st CCS 2/5/17, then to the 3rd Ambulance Train 22/5/17, and finally to the 6th General Hospital at Rouen the following day, also suffering Diarrhoea. Discharged to the 5th ADBD at Havre 9/7/17, and eventually rejoined his battalion on the 2/8/1917.
A member of the Lewis machine gun section of the 59th Bn, David was killed in action during the attack on German positions in Polygon Wood, Belgium, on Wednesday 26th September 1917. He is buried in Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium – Grave Ref: XII. B. 6. [Having been exhumed and re-buried]
Aust War Memorial Panel: 167
************
Bendigo Advertiser (Vic), Fri 10 Jan 1913 (p.7):
PERSONAL
Mounted-constable D. Bird was (writes our Inglewood correspondent) presented by his brother members of the A.N.A., on the eve of his marriage with Miss Shepherd, a local lady, and a respected teacher at the State School, with a valuable chain and tea set in recognition of the goodwill entertained for him and his bride, who are spending a few days at Daylesford enjoying their honeymoon.
The Bendigo Independent (Vic), Wed 22 Apr 1914 (p.5):
ABOUT PEOPLE
Mounted-Constable David Bird, who has been stationed at Inglewood for the past four years, has received notice of his promotion to the charge of the station at Rainbow. During his stay in Inglewood (our local correspondent writes), Mr Bird has, by his amiable, courteous and obliging manner, made many friends, and his departure from the town will be sincerely regretted.
Bendigo Advertiser (Vic), Tue 28 Apr 1914 (p.7):
PERSONAL
Mounted-constable D. Bird, whose transfer from Inglewood to Rainbow was recently mentioned in the ‘Advertiser,’ was (writes our correspondent) entertained at a farewell social at the Royal Hotel on Saturday night. The Mayor (Cr C.J. Ansett) presided, and there was a representative gathering. The various speakers eulogized the departing guest as an officer who carried out his duties in a fair and straightforward manner, without fear or favor.
Rainbow Argus (Vic), Sat 2 May 1914 (p.5):
Personal Paragraphs
Since the departure of Mounted Constable Dunkley, the police station at Rainbow has been in charge of Mounted Constable Wisby, a relieving officer of Horsham. A permanent appointment has been made, Mounted Constable Bird, of Inglewood, who arrived in the town on Wednesday, having assumed control of the station on the following day. Before the business of the local Court of Petty Sessions was entered upon yesterday afternoon the chairman of the bench (Mr J. Sanders), in a few well-chosen words, welcomed Mounted Constable Bird to the district and expressed the hope that he would have a long and happy residence in the district. He did not anticipate that Mr Bird’s duties would be arduous as the residents were a law-abiding people. Constable Bird made an appreciative acknowledgement.
Rainbow Argus (Vic), Fri 21 Jul 1916 (p.3):
Valedictory
POPULAR RESIDENTS
Last week Mounted-Constable d. Bird enlisted, and was subsequently accepted, for active service with the Australian Imperial Expeditionary Forces. He at once made arrangements for entering camp, and when it became known that he would be leaving town this week a hurriedly convened meeting of representatives of the local branch of the A.N.A. (of which Mr Bird is the ex-president), the Patriotic Committee, Presbyterian Church, and Red Cross Society, with which Mrs Bird has been actively associated, not only as a member but also as treasurer, was held at Mr Alex Macdonalds’s office on Monday afternoon. Mr J. Halliday was voted to the chair, and after a formal discussion it was resolved to entertain Mr and Mrs Bird at a social at the Mechanics’ Hall. Mr Macdonald was appointed secretary to the movement, and Mr A.J. Barnes treasurer. Sub-committees were appointed to make arrangements for the successful carrying out of the function, which took place last evening, a report of which will appear in our next issue.
Rainbow Argus (Vic), Fri 28 Jul 1916 (p.2):
REFERENCES AT THE COURT HOUSE
At the conclusion of business at the Rainbow Court of Petty Sessions on Friday advantage was taken of the occasion to bid farewell to Mounted-Constable Bird, who had enlisted for active service. Messrs D.B. Innes, J. Sanders, and A.G. Strauss, J’s.P., referred in highly complimentary terms to Mr Birds efficiency as an officer of the police department, and also to the valuable assistance he had rendered during his connection with the local police station. ……………
Inglewood Advertiser, 1/8/1916:
Constable D. Bird, who was formerly stationed at Inglewood and has of late been in charge of the Rainbow station, has obtained extended leave of absence from his department in order to enlist, and is at present visiting Inglewood prior to going into camp. During Constable Bird’s term of service Mrs Bird will reside with her parents, Mr and Mrs C. Shepherd, of Brooke street north.
Inglewood Advertiser, 1/9/1916 - Death notice
SHEPHERD - On the 15th July, 1916, killed in action in France, Private Francis Charles Shepherd (Frank), B Company, 57th Battalion, the dearly loved eldest son of Mr and Mrs C.F. Shepherd, Inglewood, and beloved brother of Archie (on active service), Donald and Cecil, and Mrs Dave Bird and Dave Bird (on active service). …
Inglewood Advertiser, 5/9/1916:
A number of soldiers visited their homes on leave last week, among these being Lieut. B.A. Saunders and Privates D. Bird, A. Coutts , F. Murray, L.G. Williams (Inglewood), …………… Most of the soldiers were on final leave, and several were suffering severely as a result of having recently been vaccinated, …………………
Coleraine Albion and Western Advertiser (Vic), Mon 13 Aug 1917 (p.3):
THE BATTLE OF MESSINES
EXPERIENCES OF PRIVATE MOYLAN
The following interesting letter was ……………………
[A cable message was received today from Private Moylan, stating that he had seen his uncle, Private David Bird, and that both were well.]
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119612603
Inglewood Advertiser, 23/10/1917:
CORPORAL D. BIRD, KILLED IN ACTION.
The sad news was received yesterday afternoon of the death in action, of September 26th, of Corporal D. Bird. The deceased soldier, prior to enlisting, was a member of the police force, and was stationed for some time at Inglewood, then going to Rainbow. He was a most popular and capable official, and had he lived to return would have won a high place in the force. On his enlistment Mrs Bird returned to Inglewood and took up her residence with her parents, Mr and Mrs C. Shepherd, of Brooke street. With her, in her great bereavement, all feel deeply.
Coleraine Albion and Western Advertiser (Vic), Thur 25 Oct 1917 (p.3):
AMONG THE AUSTRALIANS – ANOTHER FAMILY LOSES
Mrs Bird, of Pilleau Street, Coleraine, received the distressing news this week of the death of her third son, Private David Bird. Before enlistment Private Bird had been attached to the police for about ten years, having been stationed at Inglewood and Rainbow, enlisting from the latter place. He, on application, was granted leave to take up service with the colors, and in August last year entered the Castlemaine camp. Leaving Australia on October 2nd, he proceeded to England, and eventually sailed for France on December 30th. He was taken ill in France, and placed in hospital for some time. Recovering from his complaint, Private Bird was restored to the active combatant list. He was in the great fighting of September last, and on the 26th of that month was killed. The deceased soldier leaves a widow but no family. Private Bird was 32 years of age.
Inglewood Advertiser, 26/10/1917:
LATE CPL. D. BIRD.
As briefly mentioned in our last issue, the news of the death of this gallant soldier, received on Monday last, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret being expressed. Although not an Inglewood native, he spent several years here, and during his stay won regard as unstinted as it was general. His capable and intelligent discharge of his duties as a police constable won him the appreciation of all sections of the community, and his many fine qualities [illegible] into the public life of the town to be welcomed. Among his other connections, he was vice president of the A.N.A., and a member of the committee of the Presbyterian church. His local associations endearing him to many, his bond with Inglewood was further strengthened by his marriage with Miss P. Shepherd [sic], daughter of Mr and Mrs C. Shepherd, of Brooke street. At the time of his enlistment he was in charge of the police station at Rainbow, where he was also highly regarded, and on his entering camp Mrs Bird returned to Inglewood and took up her residence with her parents. Since that time she, in common with other local ladies, has done a great work in connection with patriotic endeavors, ably seconding the noble effort of her husband to protect Australia and the Empire from the dangers threatening. She had already lost a brother in France, but now has been called upon to make the greatest sacrifice that could be claimed of her. In the loss of one who proved himself in every respect a worthy man and protector she is deeply sympathized with. It is the hope of all that the brave spirit which bade him go to defend his country may now aid her in bearing the great sorrow which has befallen her.
At Tuesday’s sitting of the Police Court regretful reference was made to the death of Corporal Bird, and on the suggestion of Mr C.J. Rogers, P.M., the clerk of courts was asked to convey the sympathy of the bench to Mrs Bird and her relatives.
Inglewood Advertiser, 30/10/1917:
DEATH ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
BIRD – Killed in action in Polygon Wood, West Flanders, on the 26th September, 1917, David, Lewis Machine Guns, 59th Battalion, A.I.F., the ever dearly and truly beloved husband of Agnes M. Bird, Brooke Street, Inglewood. Aged 32 years 4 months.
He was my all.
- Inserted by his devoted wife.
BIRD - Killed in action in Polygon Wood, West Flanders, on the 26th September, 1917, David, Lewis Machine Guns, 59th Battalion, A.I.F., the beloved son-in-law and brother-in-law of Mr and Mrs Shepherd, Frank (killed in action, 15th July 1916), Arch (A.I.F., over 1000 days), Don (rejected), and Cecil. Aged 32 years 4 months. Formerly in charge of Rainbow police station.
[Poem]
Coleraine Albion and Western Advertiser (Vic), Thur 22 Nov 1917 (p.3):
SOLDIERS’ MEMORIALS
On Sunday morning last the service at St Andrews’ Church was of an unusual character, being the unveiling of two brass wall tablets placed there by the respective families of the late Trooper Eoin Lindsay Smith and Sergeant John Leslie Connor, and at the same time it was made a memorial in honor of the late Corporal David Bird. …………………
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119613689
Inglewood Advertiser, 27/9/1918:
In Memoriam
BIRD – To the cherished memory of my beloved husband. No. 2633, L. Cpl David Bird, Lewis machine gunner, 59th Batt., who was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Flanders, on 26th September, 1917; …………
Oh! you brave best,
How pure your hearts and high!
One year nearer our perfect reunion.
- Inserted by his devoted wife, Inglewood.
Biography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of William and Ann BIRD; husband of Agnes M. BIRD, Inglewood, Victoria.
Mrs. Bird, of Pillean Street, Coleraine, received the distressing news this week of the death of her third son, Private David Bird. Before enlistment Private Bird had been attached to the police for about ten years, having been stationed at Inglewood and Rainbow, enlisting from the latter place. He was a most popular and capable official, and had he lived to return would no doubt have won a high place in the force. He, on application, was granted leave to take up service with the colors, and in August last year entered the Castlemaine camp. Leaving Australia on October 2nd, he preceeded to England, and eventually sailed for France on December 30th. He was taken ill in France, and placed in hospital for some time. Recovering from his complaint, Private Bird was restored to the active combatant list. He was in the great fighting of September last, and on the 26th of that month was killed. The deceased soldier
leaves a widow but no family.
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