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Gerald KIRK

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Surname: KIRK

Forename(s): Gerald

Place of Birth: Bramley (Leeds), Yorkshire

Service No: ---

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

Regiment / Corps / Service: King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 1/5th Battalion

Division: 28th Division

Age: 32

Date of Death: 1915-04-24

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. K. 28.

CWGC Cemetery: POPERINGHE OLD MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: INGLETON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Gerald Kirk (born 14 July 1883) was the son of Alfred Samuel and Isabella Ann Kirk, formerly Greenwood, née Balderstone. Alfred was born at Leeds, Yorkshire and Isabella at Durban, South Africa.

1891 Ingleton, Yorkshire Census: Greenwood Leghe - Gerald Kirk, aged 7 years, born Bramley, Yorkshire, son of Alfred S. and Isabella A. Kirk.

1901 Ingleton, Yorkshire Census: Greenwood Leghe - Gerald Kirk, aged 17 years, born Leeds, Yorkshire, son of Isabella A. Kirk, widow.

Gerald was married to Sarah Jane Capstick in 1909.

1911 Ingleton, Yorkshire Census: Bank Cottage - Gerald Kirk, aged 27 years, born Leeds, Yorkshire, husband of S. Jane Kirk.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: L/Cpl Gerald Kirk, 2132 & 2/Lieut 1/5th King's Own Lancaster Regiment. Theatre of War: 1 - France. Qualifying date [for 1914-15 Star]: 15 February 1915. Correspondence: (Widow) Mrs G. Kirk, c/o G. Webster Esq 4, Thorney Hills, Kendal.

Gerald is commemorated on the Pocklington Grammar School War Memorial.

A short biography of Gerald is included in: ‘The Ingleton War Memorial, 1914-18, 1939-45’ by Andrew Brooks (2005).

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

KIRK, Lieutenant Gerald, 5th K.O.L.R., only son of the late Mr. Alfred Samuel Kirk, Ingleton, died from wounds in April.

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2nd Lieutenant Gerald KIRK

2nd Lieutenant Gerald KIRK

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 28th Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 28th Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: KIRK

Forename(s): Gerald

Born:

Residence:

Enlisted:

Number:

Rank: 2/Lt

Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Battalion: 5th Battalion (Territorial)

Decorations:

Died Date: 24/04/15

Died How: Died of wounds

Theatre of War:

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: KIRK

Forename(s): Gerald

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number:

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Unit: 1st/5th Bn.

Age:

Awards:

Died Date: 24/04/1915

Additional Information:

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DE RUVIGNY'S ROLL OF HONOUR 1914-1918 – Part One

KIRK, GERALD, 2nd Lieut. 5th Battn. The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt. (T.F.), 3rd s. of the late Alfred Samuel Kirk of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton, and of Leeds, and the only s. by his 2nd wife Isabella Ann, widow of William Norman Greenwood and dau. of Richardson Balderstone; b. Bramley, near Leeds, 14 July 1883, educ. Ilkley and Pocklington, but after the declaration of war enlisted in the King’s Own, 2 Sept. 1914, was gazetted 2nd Lieut. in the same, 3 Jan. 1915. At the Second Battle of Ypres the 5th Battn. of the King’s Own were with the Canadians in the great charge on Friday, 23 April, and Lieut. Kirk was severely wounded and died on the night of the following day at Poperinghe. Col. Lord Richard Cavendish wrote: “He was mortally wounded when bravely leading his men against a very strong position of the enemy. Although he had only been in the Battn. a comparatively short time he had endeared himself to us all, and he will be deeply mourned and long remembered. He has proved himself an extremely efficient officer.” Capt. Gerald W. Sharpe wrote: “He died a noble and gallant death, leading his platoon across an absolute inferno of shot and shell, he was wounded through the chest by a bullet. Four of his men carried him back to the dressing station where he was made as comfortable as possible and he was the first to be sent off in a motor ambulance.” He was buried in the hospital cemetery at Poperinghe. Kirk was the well-known amateur centre half-back, and had played for both Bradford City and Leeds City. He was the first Hon. Secretary of the Ingleton Conservative Club, and the originator and first Hon. Secretary of the Ingleton Farmers’ Association, etc., and a sidesman at St. Mary’s Church. He was also an ardent follower of the Vale of Lune Hounds, an excellent shot, and a keen cricketer and tennis player. He m. at Casterton, near Kirkby Lonsdale, 21 April 1909, Jane, dau. of Edmund Capstick, of Barnoldswick, Burton-on-Lonsdale; s.p.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1915

KIRK Gerald of Hazel Mount Carnforth Lancashire lieutenant 5th battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment died 24 April 1915 of wounds in Belgium Probate Lancaster 22 July to Sarah Jane Kirk widow. Effects £486 8s. 6d.

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Bradford City Football Club (1907-08)

Bradford City Football Club (1907-08)

Back row, left to right: C. Harper, G. Kirk, J. Millar, W. Smith, A. Bartlett, A. Wise, M. Spendiff, S. Higginson, J. McLean, R. Campbell, F. Farren Front row, left to right: T. McDermott, F. O'Rourke, W. Clarke, G. Robinson, H. Hanger, J. McDonald, G. Handley

Courtesy of Bradford City Football Club Museum

Pocklington Grammar School War Memorial

Pocklington Grammar School War Memorial

© Alan Cheng (WMR-34953)

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30 April 1915

KIRK – Killed in action in France on Saturday, April 24th, Second-Lieutenant Gerald Kirk, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton.

30 April 1915

POPULAR INGLETON OFFICER KILLED

News reached Ingleton on Tuesday of the death of Second Lieutenant Gerald Kirk, in the fierce fighting in France on Saturday, the 24th inst., and was received with general regret, for Gerald Kirk was a popular person at Ingleton. He was well-known as a keen sportsman, but he was more particularly a skilful exponent of Association football. For many years he was identified with the Ingleton Club, and as captain he many times led the famous " Reds " to victory. His great dash and remarkable skill as a footballer attracted the attention of the directors of the Bradford City Club, and for two seasons he played with them as an amateur as centre half. The following year he played for Leeds City, after which he again threw in his lot with the Ingleton Club, remaining with them even after he took up his residence at Warton. Though a robust player he was a particular very ‘clean’ player. He knew how to give hard knocks and at all times received the same in the spirit in which he gave them.

He was one of the prime movers in the formation of the Ingleton Conservative Club, and acted as its first hon. secretary until his removal to the Carnforth District. He was also one of the managers of the Ingleton National School. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton.

When the war broke out he joined the King's Own (Lancaster) Territorials as a private, and was quickly marked out for promotion, and a commission was offered him before he had completed his training, and embarked for the front. He has three brothers who are serving with the Colours.

07 May 1915

INGLETON – WAR ITEMS

Several letters have been received at Ingleton during the past week, stating that the Ingleton Territorials have been under fire “somewhere in France.” Happily there have been no casualties.
Mrs. John Slinger, Albion House, who has five sons serving with the Colours, has received intimation during the past week that one of her sons has been wounded, and is now lying at the base hospital in France. The flag was hoisted half-mast high on St. Mary's steeple in memory of 2nd Lieutenant Kirk, and on Sunday the organist (Mr. C. Bentham) played the Dead March. His untimely death cast a gloom over the place, for it could be truly said of him that he had many friends, but few enemies. When the Germans, by the use of asphyxiating gases, compelled the French to retire, and thus expose the Canadian flank, Lieutenant Kirk was ordered to support the Canadians, and in leading his platoon he was shot through the chest. He was at once carried to the hospital, but succumbed to the injuries he had received. During the time he was in the trenches he had won the golden opinions of his men and brother officers by his gallantry and conspicuous courage.

Mr. Charles Grant, Hollin Tree, has been presumed to be dead. Some weeks ago he signed on as ship's cook at Hull. His vessel proceeded to the Tyne to take in a cargo, and it has never been heard of since. Probably his ship was sunk by a mine, or torpedoed, but the owners know absolutely nothing as to the fate of the vessel.

01 October 1915

INGLETON – War Items

Private F. Hawcroft has been wounded, and is now in hospital at Birmingham.–Private J.T. Bradley has been home for 6 days on furlough, and has now returned to the Front.–Lance-Corporal Harry Atkinson, Royal Field Artillery, and Privates T. Heaps and E. Heaps have been spending a few days at home before being despatched to the Front.–The Ingleton Roll of Honour now contains the names of 154 persons. Of these, three have been killed, viz., Lieut. Gerald Kirk, Pte. A. Noble and Pte. E. Askew. The National School roll contains 98 names.

17 March 1916

MEMORIAL TO THE LATE LIEUTENANT KIRK

On Thursday evening, the 9th inst., at St. Mary’s Church, Ingleton, a memorial tablet to the memory of the late Second-Lieutenant Gerald Kirk was unveiled by the vicar, the Rev: J. Llewellyn. There were not many present to witness the ceremony, but this was due to short notice and not to lack of interest. Lieut. Kirk was very popular and one feels certain that the church would have been filled if only the public had known what was afoot. The Vicar, on behalf of the churchwardens and himself, accepted the mural tablet as a perpetual memorial of their former friend and brother, Gerald Kirk. The tablet bore the following inscription:–

“In loving memory of Gerald Kirk, 2nd Lieut. 5th Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, son of Alfred S. and Isabella Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. Born July 14th, 1883, died at Poperinghe, Belgium, April 24th, 1915, of wounds received at St. Julien the previous day. This tablet is erected by his wife.”

The tablet is of brass set on gunmetal and of chaste design. At the top is the Latin inscription, ‘pro patria et camino,’ and at the foot the coat of arms of his regiment. The work was executed by Sheigley and Hunt, of Lancaster.

It will be remembered that soon after the war broke out Lieut. Kirk enlisted as a private in the King’s Own, and by his strict attention to duty and his gentlemanly conduct he soon obtained promotion. He will be best remembered as one of the best amateur football players in the district, and for many years the backbone of the Ingleton Club. For a few seasons he played as an amateur for the famous Bradford City Club, and for a short time also for the Leeds City Club. He was a keen sportsman and almost every branch of sport had his interest. He hacked regularly with the Vale of Lune Harriers, and was equally at home with the gun or fishing rod.

He was practically the founder of the Ingleton Conservative Club, and until he took up his residence at Warton, near Carnforth, acted as Hon. Secretary. He was also mainly instrumental in forming the Ingleton Branch of the Farmer’s Association.

26 October 1917

DEATH OF ANOTHER INGLETON SOLDIER

News was received at Ingleton on Tuesday morning that Private John Wadeson, second son of Private J. H. Wadeson, Bank End, Ingleton, has been killed in action, and the flag at the church was immediately hoisted half-mast. The sad news was conveyed in a letter from Pte. Charles Tomlinson to his mother, wherein he says that his best pal, Private John Wadeson, has been killed. He asked her to break the news as gently as possible to his relatives, and said he was going to try and get to the funeral if possible at all. He is buried at the same place as his brother, Private Cyril Tomlinson, and Second-Lieutenant Gerald Kirk. Pte. John Wadeson is 20 years of age, and before the war was employed at the Ingleton Colliery. Being a Territorial he was mobilised on the outbreak of the war and had seen considerable active service. His mother died a short time ago, and his father is on active service in France.

22 February 1918

INGLETON – IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN

A memorial service for Ingleton men who have fallen in the war was held in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday evening. There was a large congregation, and the service was of an impressive character. The Union Jack was hoisted half-mast on the tower during the day. At the commencement of the service the organist, Mr. C. Bentham, played ‘O rest in the Lord’, and at the conclusion the Dead March in ‘Saul’, 'How bright these glorious spirits shine’, and other hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung, as was also the National Anthem. Standing on the Chancel steps, Bugler J. Robinson sounded the ‘Last Post’, and its solemn and eerie notes reverberated along the aisles.

Before commencing his address, the vicar, the Rev. D. T. Davies, read out the list of those who had fallen, as follows:–

Killed in action: Second-Lieutenant G. Kirk, Sergeant J. Metcalfe, Privates A. Noble, G. Scholey, C. Tomlinson, J. Smith, W. A. Hodgson, J. W. Wadeson, J. W. Robinson, J. Clapham, W. Smith, J. Schofield, J. Kettlewell, W. Marklew, E. Askew, P. Fletcher, G. Metcalfe, A. M. Booth, J. Woodhouse, W. Bolton, and J. [W.H.W.] Wilson.

Died in hospital: Privates W. H. Wignall and C. Newsholme.

Torpedoed: C. Grant.

Missing; Sergeant R. E. Walker, Privates A. Sherwin, W. Northey, E. Robinson, J. Saul, and W. [J.C.] Bradford.

The Vicar, speaking from the words, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’, said that the occasion brought them face in face with a question that was momentous to everyone, and the list which he had just read made them pause and ask the question, “Is the cause for which we are fighting of such a nature that these sacrifices are necessary?” They must remind themselves of the causes which led to the war. Our honour was pledged to protect a small country from an oppressing wrong, and we were compelled to stand by them. They were standing to protect a weak country from a fearful wrong committed by one of the strongest nations in the world – from a military point of view the strongest – a nation that was steadily prospering year after year and which had been training its manhood to satisfy its mad ambition for power. It was becoming clear, especially during the last few weeks, that the dominant note running through their proposals had been their determination that might should conquer over right, and that they would rule as masters over the whole world. When they analysed the causes they saw that the principles of justice and righteousness were struggling against oppression and wrong-doing. They had seen an attempt to impose injustice on the whole world, to impose the doctrine that might is right and mercy unknown by the will of one man, and to sweep away religion, man’s guidance, in a moment.

04 July 1919

PEACE SUPPLEMENT TO THE 'CRAVEN HERALD' – CRAVEN'S FALLEN OFFICERS

SECOND-LIEUTENANT GERALD KIRK

King’ Own (Lancaster) Territorials, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Kirk, Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. Killed in action in France April 24th, 1915. A keen sportsman and played for two reasons as an amateur with the Bradford City Football Club and later with Leeds City.

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30 April 1915

LIEUTENANT GERALD KIRK KILLED

Ingleton has already been called upon to pay its toll for its patriotism, and the village was cast into gloom on Tuesday on it becoming known that Lieutenant Kirk, of the 5th King’s Own Lancaster Regiment had been killed. The first news was received on Monday evening when a telephone massage was received stating that he had been wounded in the severe fighting which had taken place around Ypres on Saturday, and on Tuesday morning a telegram was received by his brother, Mr. Percy Greenwood, stating that he had died on Saturday night. The deceased was the only son by his second marriage of the late Mr. Alfred Samuel Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton, and of Leeds, and was in his 32nd year. Had the district been sought through, a more popular man could not have been found. Some years ago he was an amateur playing member of both Bradford City and Leeds City football teams, and was most popular with both players and spectators. For many years he was captain of the Ingleton football team, and led them to victory in the Craven Cup, the Craven League, the Lancaster and District League, and to the final in the Lancaster Infirmary Cup Competition on two occasions without, however, securing the trophy. He was the first secretary of the Ingleton Conservative Club, the originator and first secretary of the Ingleton Farmer’s Association, the hon. secretary of the Ingleton Poultry Shower’s Association and was at one time a sidesman at St. Mary’s Parish Church. He was also an ardent follower of the Vale of Lune Hunt, a good cricketer, being very smart behind the wicket, a good cueist and above the average with a tennis racquet; in fact, whatever branch of sport he indulged in he excelled. During the past two years he has resided at Hazel Mount, Wharton, Carnforth, but his sympathies were always with his native place. The deceased has three stepbrothers serving with the Colours, viz., Messrs. Norman Oscar, and Harold Greenwood, who are all well known in the neighbourhood. Much sympathy is felt for his young widow, who prior to her marriage was Miss Jennie Capstick of Blue Hall, Ingleton.

24 December 1915

CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – INGLETON

Lieut. Gerald Kirk, 5th King’s Own Lancaster Regiment, died from wounds received at the Front in France in April. The only son of the late Mr. Alfred Samuel Kirk (by his second marriage), of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. Formerly he was an amateur playing member of the Bradford City and Leeds City football teams, and for many years was captain of the Ingleton football team. He was the first hon. secretary of the Ingleton Conservative Club, the originator and first secretary of the Ingleton Farmers’ Association, the hon. secretary of the Ingleton Poultry Showers’ Association, and was at one time a sidesman at St. Mary’s Parish Church. He was a thorough sportsman. His home was at Wharton, Carnforth, and he leaves a young wife.

17 March 1916

INGLETON

MEMORIAL TABLET TO THE LATE LIEUT. GERALD KIRK

On Thursday evening a memorial tablet to the memory of 2nd Lieut. Gerald Kirk, who died as the result of wounds received at St Julien early in 1915, was unveiled in St. Mary’s Parish Church. The tablet is of brass mounted on gunmetal, and is fixed on the south wall of the church in close proximity to one put up in memory of Lieut. Tate’s father, who was a church-warden for many years. The tablet bears the inscription:–

“In loving memory of Gerald Kirk, 2nd Lieut., 5th Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, son of Alfred S. and Isabella A. Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. Born July 14th, 1883, died at Poperinghe, Belgium, April 24th, 1915, of wounds received at St. Julien the previous day. This tablet is erected by his wife.”

Prior to leaving Ingleton the late Gerald Kirk was a sides- man at St. Mary’s Church, a school manager at the National School, and held many public positions in the place.

22 February 1918

INGLETON

MEMORIAL SERVICE – On Sunday last a memorial service for the Ingleton soldiers who have fallen during the war was held in St. Mary’s Church. The flag on the tower was hoisted at half-mast. There was a very large congregation, and prior to the commencement of the service the organist (Mr. C. Bentham) played a solemn voluntary. The vicar (Rev. T. D. Davies) conducted the service, special prayers, psalms, and hymns being read and sung. The Vicar delivered a powerful sermon, taking as his text St. John, ch. 13 v., 13, “Greater love hath no man,” and prior to this read the following name of the Ingleton men killed and missing , some of whom have been presumed dead. The ‘Dead March’ was played at the close of the service, and the sounding of the ‘Last Post’ by Bugler J. Robinson concluded a solemn and impressive service. The following were the names read out by the vicar:–

Men killed: 2nd-Lieut. Gerald Kirk, Pte. A. Noble, Pte. G. Scholey, Sergt. Jas. Metcalfe, Pte. Cyril Tomlinson, Pte. James [Jabez] Smith, Pte. Wm. A. Hodgson, Pte. John W. Wadeson, Pte. John W. Robinson, Pte. Joe Clapham, Pte. Wm. Smith, Pte. Jas. Schofield, Pte. Jas. Kettlewell, Pte. W. Marklew, Pte. E Askew, Pte. Percy Fletcher, Pte. Geo. Metcalfe, Pte. A. M. Booth, Pte. J. Woodhouse, Pte. W. Bolton, Pte. J. [W.H.W.] Wilson; died in hospital: Pte. Chris. Newsholme, Pte. Henry Wignall; missing: Sergt Robert E. Walker, Pte. Alfred Sherwin. Pte. Wm. Northy, Pte. Jas. Saul, Pte. Ed. Robinson. Pte. W. [J.C.] Bradford; torpedoed: Charles Grant.

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