Lionel Birch was a fruit grower in Eukey, near Stanthorpe when he enlisted in September 1915. Three years earlier he had been a regular for the Toowoomba-based soccer team Corinthians.
Birch was eventually assigned to the 49th Battalion but was wounded in the knee in France a year to the day after enlisting. At the time the 49th was taking part in the Battle of Mouquet Farm. He did not return to France until December 1917. During 1918, the 49th Battalion took part in the Second Battle of Dernancourt and the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux but were rotated out at the time of armistice.
Birch returned to Australia in April 1919. After the war he competed for the Eukey Rifle Club in regional meets. He passed away in October 1948.