1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the London Gazette of 3 June 1919.

Birtwell was a native of Burnley, Lancashire.

Birtwell enlisted on the 18 September 1912 at Burnley, Lancashire aged 18 years, he was by trade a taper's labourer. He lived with his mother at 72, Raglan Road, Burnley, Lancashire. Birtwell went to France on the 22 August 1914 and served there until 29 October 1914 when he suffered gun shot wounds to the right thigh and his testicles (see Burnley Express of 7 November 1914). On recovery he reurned to his battalion with whom he served for the remainder of the war.

Awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in A.O. of February 1927 whilst attached to the Nigerian Regiment.

Discharged on the 21 March 1929.