Other Information:Albert enlisted on 18th November 1908. He was 19 years old, and was a Farm Labourer by trade. He served until 17th November 1911, when he was transferred to Army Reserve, but on 18th September 1912 he reengaged. He entered the war in France on 13th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment. On 5th February 1915 he joined the 2nd Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment for duty. He suffered a severe shrapnel wound to his back on 28th July 1915, and a gunshot wound to his right lumbar region on 18th August 1915. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near La Brique on 16th November 1915, when with Private Caffery, of the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, he rescued a wounded man who was lying far out and in full view of the German trenches. The first time they were driven back by shrapnel fire, but succeeded at the second attempt, though heavily fired on by snipers and machine guns. Corporal Stirk was wounded in the head. He has done consistent good work throughout the campaign." Due to his head wound he was evacuated to the UK, and was discharged from the army on 29th January 1916. He was the husband of Jessie Stirk.
|