3350 Trooper Ernest Edgar Bird, 4th Battalion Imperial Camel Corps
Enlisted on 22 August 1914 and served with 1st Divisional Signal Coy (1914). Australian Engineers and embarked on 20 October 1914 on HMAS Karoo (A10) from Melbourne. Ernest Bird was killed in action at Gallipoli on 3rd June 1915, just eight days after the fateful landing. He was then twenty five years old, one of the 7,818 Australians who died during the Gallipoli campaign. The son of Mary and the late John Bird of “Glen Logie” Fifield. Bird was born at Lexton, Victoria, Australia
Informant: Private F.J. McSweeney No.3346, 4tn Battalion, 17th Coy, Imp. Camel Corps.
Home Address: "Leslie" Cottage, Brook St., North Sydney. 22.8.18
Informant described Bird as about 5'5* high, nuggetty build, medium complexion, aged about 21/22. Informant states that they both belonged to, the 4th Battalion 17th Company, No.2 Section. On 30.4.18 (Easter Saturday) 1918 the Battalion was in action about a mile from A-man which is situate about 30/40 miles the other side of the Jordan River, Palestine. They set out on the advance about 3am. About half an hour later informant and Bird were both wounded by bullets. Up to that time not much progress had been made as the Turks counter-attacked. They both crawled into a Turkish shellhole and in reply to a question by informant Bird said that he had been hit through the leg. Informant replied that he was also wounded in the leg. Informant then crawled to the Dressing Station about 300 yards away and told Bird to stay where he was and he would send some stretcher bearers. Bird was however picked up and passed through the Dressing Station although Informant did not see him there. He, however, did see him at El-Arish Hospital. In Bird's case blood poisoning set in and he died under an operation that was performed on him. He was buried at El-Arish. According to Informant Bird was well liked by his mates.
Informant: Trooper G.H. Graham, No. 2813, 17th Company, Imperial Camel CorpsHome address: Hill End, New South Wales. 19-8-18.
Informant described Bird as about 5 ft. 8 inches high, slight build, dark complexion aged about 20-21. Informant states that they both belonged, to 17th Company. On 30-3-18 the Company was at Anan about 30 or 40 miles the other aide of the Jordan at the Turkish Railway that goes to Mecca. Bird was hit through the shin by a bullet and was taken to Jericho Field Ambulance Station, where the bullet was removed by operation. He was then taken to Ludd Casualty Clearing Station where informant occupied the next bed to him. While they spoke to each other. Bird explaining he received his wound, which was caused by a rifle bullet. They left Ludd together in a hospital train bound for El-Arish and informant never saw Bird again after they left the train. He died at El-Arish. He certain to have been buried there. According to Informant Bird was well liked by his mates.
Informant: Private A. Cetta. No. 3281. 1st Camel Corps.Home address: Oakville Road, Willoughby, Sydney. 12/10/18
