Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ambrose Stewart Bourke was the son of James Francis and Theresa Bourke of Uralla, New South Wales. His father James, died of paralysis in April 1915. Ambrose had 10 brothers and sisters. He was known as Stewart Bourke to his family and friends.

His younger brother, 4597 Pte. Henry Bourke 3rd Battalion AIF, died of wounds on 10 August 1916, aged 20. The two brothers had been wounded at Pozieres on around the same day, 24 July 1916.

Ambrose Stewart Bourke suffered a gunshot wound to his foot at Pozieres and was evacuated to England. He rejoined the 4th Battalion in the field during February 1917.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal a few months later before he was mortally wounded in Belgium on 4 October 1917. He suffered a severe shrapnel wound to his head which caused a fracture to his skull and died in the 17th Casualty Clearing Station two days later.

The Uralla Times reported his death on 27 October 1917, “Death of Pte S. Bourke.”

"Rev Father McGrath received the sad news on Monday that Pte Ambrose Stewart Bourke had died of wounds on the 6th October. Pte Bourke was the fifth son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Jas Bourke, and is the second member of the family to fall in the war, his brother Con. being killed in action, in the Somme fighting, on the 10th August 1916. Stewart sailed with the 3rd Battalion on the 3rd January 1915, and had therefore been in the A.I.F. for nearly three years. He went through the Gallipoli campaign, and then went on to France with his battalion. He was severely wounded in the foot during the terrific battle of Pozieres, and was then absent from the lines for some months - in fact he had an opportunity of coming home: but when he heard of his brother's death, he waived the chance and eagerly sought the time when he could again rejoin his unit. It was probably in the late heavy fighting at Passchendaele Ridge that he received the severe wounds which caused his death, at the age of 26 years. His epitaph is written in the imperishable records of the famous 3rd Battalion, through which many hundreds have passed to their eternal rest, having fought with chivalry and bravery, little wooden crosses now mark their hallowed resting places, either on the tragic slopes of Gallipoli or in the fields of France. Mrs. Bourke and her good family have the earnest sympathy of all of us in this their second irreparable loss. Both Con and Stewart were fine lads, with big hearts, and enjoyed the warm friendship of a wide circle of chums out here. In the army, too, they were great boys - good, hard fighters, and splendid mates, and their spirits will live long with all their mates. In lowering the flag to half-mast, Ald. Carter referred to the double loss suffered by Mrs. Bourke and family, and assured them of the community's deepest sympathy. Mr R. Mackay also referred with feeling to the sad occasion.”