Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas and Harriet Kirby of Donisthorpe, Leics. His enlistment documents record that he gave his father, Thomas Kirby of Donisthorpe, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin, his trade or calling was given as Carpenter, and he stated that he was unmarried. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 4 ¾ inches in height, weighed 1116 pounds and had a chest measurement of 31 to 33 ¼ inches. His complexion was described as fresh with hazel eyes and brown hair. It was noted that he had scars on the left side of his neck and the angle of his jaw. He gave his religion as Church of England. His record of service gives the following information. Embarked at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia aboard “Ceramic” 7th October 1916. Disembarked Plymouth, Devon, England 21st November 1916. Embarked from 5th Training Battalion aboard “Princess Clementine” at Folkestone, Kent 28th December 1916. Proceeded to 2nd A.D.B.D. Etaples, France 29th December 1916. Proceeded to join 17th Battalion, France 6th February 1917. Admitted sick suffering from asthemia to 5th Australian Field Ambulance 20th March 1917. Rejoined Battalion form hospital 4th May 1917. Killed in action 31st August 1917. The legatee to whom the personal effects were forwarded was Miss M. Suthons of “Southall”, Park Road, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia. The items forwarded were as follows, 1 Fountain Pen, 1 Wallet, 1 Pocket Case, 1 Y.M.C.A Wallet, 1 French Book, Letters, Cards, Photos. A letter sent from the Officer in Charge, Base Records to his father, Thomas Kirby of Donisthorpe, Leicestershire, England and dated the 27th March 1919 reads as follows, Dear Sir, With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your son, the late No. 5848, Private W. Kirby, 17th Battalion. I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he was killed in action in France on the 31st August 1918, being struck in the stomach by a large piece of shell whilst carrying ammunition to the front line. Death was instantaneous. He was buried 1050 yards South East of Clery-sur-Somme, France, a cross being erected over his grave. The utmost care and attention is being devoted where possible to the graves of our soldiers. It is understood the photographs are being taken as soon as is possible and these will be transmitted to next-of-kin when available. These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the Department to forward all information received in connection with deaths of members of the Australian Imperial Force.