Second Lieutenant JAMES KIRK
Manchester Regiment
10th Bn. attd. 2nd Bn.
Died 04 November 1918
Age 21 years old
Photographer: Unknown
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of James and Rachel Kirk, of 530 Edge Lane, Droylesden, Manchester. Born at Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire.
- Personal Inscription BORN JANUARY 27TH 1897 FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO
- Additional Citation note
An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 31108, dated 3rd Jan., 1919, records the following:- " For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty North of Ors on 4th Nov., 1918, whilst attempting to bridge the Oise Canal. To cover the bridging of the canal he took a Lewis gun, and, under intense machine-gun fire, paddled across the canal on a raft, and at a range of ten yards expended all his ammunition. Further ammunition was paddled across to him and he continuously maintained a covering fire for the bridging party from a most exposed position till killed at his gun. The supreme contempt of danger and magnificent self-sacrifice displayed by this gallant officer prevented many casualties and enabled two platoons to cross the bridge before it was destroyed."
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