Archie Kirkwood
Archibald (Archie) Glen Kirkwood, DCM AMIEAust (1890-1973)
Archie was born at Coylton, Ayrshire, Scotland, on June 28, 1890. He was the son of clerk William Kirkwood and his wife Elizabeth Kirkwood (nee Glen).
In 1912 Archie enlisted in the Royal Engineers and served with them in World War 1. He enlisted as a Sapper and rose to the rank of Sergeant by the time of the outbreak of war, undertaking training in Glasgow. He served in France and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal. At the time of his enlistment he was working as an engineers’ draughtsman. He was recognised as having the skills of an Engineer from August 1915.
Archie travelled to Western Australia on the “Largs Bay” arriving on February 9, 1922, with his occupation listed as engineer. When he arrived, he stayed with his cousin, Walter Kirkwood Weller at 78 St Leonard’s Avenue, Leederville. Archie eventually purchased a house across the road, at 81 St Leonards Avenue.
On April 5, 1924, Archie was appointed to the Public Works Department as Assistant Superintendent of Machinery in the Goldfields Water Supply.
On February 3, 1925, he married Elsie Maud Maisey at St George’s Cathedral, Perth. They had one child, Margaret Joan Kirkwood, born 1932.
In 1937, Archie was appointed Superintendent of Machinery, Goldfields Water Supply. He held this position until his retirement in 1954. Following his retirement he worked as an Engineering Consultant.
Archie became an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia in 1924.
Archie died on December 24, 1973, aged 82, at Albany. He was survived by his wife Elsie and their daughter Margaret.
Compiled by Chris Fitzhardinge, January 22, 2025
References:
Sunday Times, 15.2.1925, p. 31.
West Australian, 22.11.1932, p. 1.
Public Service Lists 1929 and 1953
Richard G Hartley, River of Steel, Access Press, Bassendean, 2007
