Gerald Birks
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| Gerald Alfred Sigourney Birks | |
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| (October 30, 1894 - May 26, 1991) | |
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| Place of birth | Montreal, Quebec |
| Place of death | Toronto, Ontario |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/branch | Canadian Forces |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | RFC |
| Awards | MC and Two Bars, |
| Other work | founding of Khaki University, philanthropy |
Gerald Alfred Sigourney Birks, MC and Two Bars, RFC (October 30, 1894 – May 26, 1991) was a Canadian fighter ace in World War I. He assisted in the founding of Khaki University during World War I
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[edit] Education
A son of William Birks, the owner of the Canadian Jewellers (Henry Birks and Sons), he was descended from Yorkshire landed gentry. He was educated at Montreal High School and McGill University.
[edit] Military Service
He originally enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, being wounded on the Somme in 1916.
Colonel Gerald Birks, supervisor of the YMCA Canadian Overseas, sought to offer educational courses to keep soldiers busy in their spare time with a view to stave off the evils of gambling or drinking. He asked Henry Marshall Tory to write report which recommended the formalization of educational services of Canadian forces overseas, known as Khaki University.
Transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, he served with No.66 Squadron in Italy, flying the Sopwith Camel, gaining twelve aerial victories ( 3 captured and 9 destroyed). He is credited with shooting down Austrian 19-kill ace Lt.Josef Kiss, CO of Flik 55j on 24 May 1918. He is also credited with bringing down 5-kill ace Lt Karl Patzelton 4 May 1918.
He was awarded the Military Cross and bar for his gallantry.
After the war, he became a patron of the arts, and was an active painter. He died in 1991 in Toronto.
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[edit] References
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