This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Birt, Roland S W (‘Clinker’) played for Australia Internationals: 1: 1914 NZ- Roland Birt was born Played as a Forward for Brothers (Brisbane), Queensland. "Played in services Rugby during the War." War service: Reported in some references to have served but he's not listed in the records of the Australian Imperial Force. Not listed in the AIF nominal roll, nor is there a record in the Australian National Archives. He possibly served in the Militia. Remarks: Selected after a strong display for Queensland v NSW (won 16-14) in his second season for his State. He played only one International (lost 0-17). When Eric Francis, who played as a Wing for Australia, was asked how Birt was selected, he replied “To save the cost of bringing a player from Sydney. That’s why there were seven Queenslanders in that side.” Not properly listed in Australian Rugby - The Game and the Players, which has him as “R Burt”.
Clinker Birt - Australia Full name - Rowland Sidham Walter Birt Born - August 9 1890 Glasgow Current age Major teams - Australia Position - No. 8
Annie Thanks for the full name. His military service remains a mystery. Perhaps he served in the AMF, rather than the AIF, during the war and played Rugby for them. I've previously come across instances where people not familiar with Australia's military organisation at the time have assumed that the AMF and AIF were the same thing. Gareth
Oh wow ! ... check this out Gareth .... Scroll to page 7 .... USE OF THE TRAP IN THIS CENTURY http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=...SjBWxF&sig=AFQjCNHz5arpoZJfUIPit4CVjiE2GAIt-Q
