James Kirk (VC)

He crossed a canal under fire to shield men building bridges

James Kirk VC paddled a raft across the Sambre–Oise Canal near Ors, France, on 4 November 1918 to protect British troops attempting a crossing. A second lieutenant of the 10th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, attached to its 2nd Battalion, he carried a Lewis gun into an exposed position close to the German bank. When his ammunition ran out, more was brought across to him. He maintained covering fire for the bridging party until he was killed at his gun. His sacrifice helped two platoons cross before their bridge was destroyed.

Born near Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, on 27 January 1897, Kirk later lived with his family in Droylsden. He enjoyed football and cricket and worked as a warehouse clerk in Manchester. He enlisted in the Manchester Regiment in October 1914, aged 17, and served at Gallipoli in 1915. Evacuated to Egypt with frostbite, he subsequently served with camel transport troops before returning to infantry duties and reaching France in 1917.

His abilities brought promotion through the ranks and a recommendation for a commission. After officer training in Britain, he became a second lieutenant in June 1918 and returned to the Western Front that autumn. He died aged 21, one week before the Armistice, and is buried in Ors Communal Cemetery. His parents received his posthumous Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 1 March 1919. His surviving medal group includes the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty North of Ors on 4th November, 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 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.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 3 January 1919. 6 January 1919, Numb. 31108, p. 307