KIRKWOOD, Fred

Fred Kirkwood was a talented wingman and half-forward who joined Essendon from Fitzroy where he played 18 games in 1910 and 1911. Prior to that he played with Surrey Hills.

He played on the wing in Essendon's 1912 premiership team. He missed four games in mid-1914 through suspension for insulting an umpire.

Kirkwood's football career ended when he enlisted in the AIF on the 30th August 1915. He served in the 23rd Battalion, primarily in France, and won the Military Medal in 1917. The citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry on the morning of 20th March [1917] near Noreuil [France] this N.C.O. whilst under heavy fire from M.G. and artillery fire went forward along the line directing and encouraging his men. This was done repeatedly under direct observation of the enemy."

He was a private when he enlisted but rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant. He was also captain of his battalion's football and cricket teams.

He later served in the "Volunteer Defence Corps on Part Time War Service" [the Home Guard] during World War II.

He became a Returned Soldiers Patron in 1919 and served in that capacity until his death.

Fred Kirkwood died on 18th August,1956, at the age of 65.