Gerald Birks

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Gerald Alfred Sigourney Birks, MC and Two Bars, RFC (October 30, 1894 - May 26, 1991) was a Canadian fighter ace in World War I. A son of William Birks, the owner of the Canadian Jewellers (Henry Birks and Sons), he was descended from Yorkshire landed gentry. Educated at Montreal High School and McGill University, he originally enlisted in the army, being wounded on the Somme in 1916.

Transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, he served in Italy, gaining twelve victories. He is credited with bringing down the enemy fighter aces Karl Patzelt and Josef Kiss. He was awarded the Military Cross twice 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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