BORN BARTON 1894. ENLISTED HULL. SON OF IRA & POLLY KIRK ABOVE. CWGC ADDRESS.
Hull Pals Memorial Post. PRIVATE JOHN WILLIAM KIRK 11/51. Born on the 27th March 1894, John was the second of three children and eldest son of Ira and Polly Kirk of 197 King Street, Barton-on-Humber. When war came he travelled over the river to enlist. He queued outside Hull City Hall on the morning of Monday 7th September 1914 joining the newly-formed 11th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Hull Pals, ‘The Tradesmen’. He was standing 18 men behind Harold McLane (Day 891), a seemingly pointless fact that somehow brings that morning to life in ways mere words can’t. A veteran of Egypt, the Somme and Oppy Wood John was killed in action on 27th March 1918 during the early days of the German Spring Offensive, and like Harold, his body was never recovered and his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Those paying close attention will have noticed it was his birthday; he was exactly 24 years old. If you’ve got a candle lit, it may appear a little ironic, but blow it out, make a wish, and spare him a thought tonight.
Kirk, John William.
First name:
JOHN WILLIAM
Military Number:
51
Rank:
Private
Date Died
27/03/1918
Place died:
Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France
Age:
24
