Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alice Ellen Firbin, born 20th June 1876 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire and baptised on the 19th September 1900 in St. Helen’s Church, Ashby de la Zouch. George Edward Fern was born in the 2nd quarter of 1897 in Ashby de la Zouch and was baptised on the 19th September 1900 in St. Helen’s Church, Ashby de la Zouch. In March 1901 George was residing at 23 Court 2, Wood Street, Ashby de la Zouch, this being the family home of his widowed maternal Grandmother, Elizabeth Firbin, who was living on her own means, born 1835 in Ashby de la Zouch, also residing in the family home was George’s mother, a hosiery trade knitter, his maternal Aunt, Annie Chamberlain, born 20th July 1867 in Ashby de la Zouch and her children, George Frederick Firbin, born in the 1st quarter of 1888, Fred Chamberlain, born in the 2nd quarter of 1896 and Tom Chamberlain, born 1901, the latter three children were all born in Ashby de la Zouch. In the 3rd quarter of 1903 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district, Alice Ellen Firbin married Albert Herbert Kirkland. In April 1911 George was employed as a brickyard labourer and was residing in the family home at 21, Mammoth Street, Hermitage Road, Coalville, together with his stepfather, Albert Herbert Kirkland, a coalminer, born 7th December 1871 in Ashby de la Zouch, his mother and half blood siblings, Albert Kirkland, born 1904, William Kirkland, born 1905 and Mabel Kirkland, born 16th April 1907, all his half blood siblings were born in Ashby de la Zouch. George was officially recorded at birth with the surname spelling of Firbin, but in numerous documents his surname is variously spelled Firban, Furbin, Firband, Fribam, Firbar and Firbrand, the Coalville Clock Tower War Memorial records his surname as Firbar.
George enlisted into the Territorial Force on the 17th September 1914 in Coalville, and was allotted the service number 2539. He gave his place of birth as Coalville, Leicestershire and age as 17 years 6 months. Marital status as single and his trade or calling as collier.
His medical examination recorded that he was 5 feet 6 inches in height, weighed 111 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 31½ and 33½ inches, his complexion was described as fresh, he had blue eyes and his hair colour was dark brown, he gave his religion as Wesleyan.
He gave his next of kin as his, mother Mrs. Kirkland, 48, Berresford Street, Coalville.
During his period of military service the following events of note occurred:-
Joined. At Coalville. 17/9/14.
Posted. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 17/9/14.
Embodied Service. Commenced. 17/9/14.
Posted. 1/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 4/9/16.
Posted. 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Pte. Allotted new Regimental number 46749. 19/9/16.
Joined 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, in the field on -?-.
Awarded 10 days Field Punishment No.1 for Misconduct on 22/2/17.
Died in 18th Field Ambulance from accidental wounds on 24/3/17.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 17/9/14 - 3/9/16. 1Year 353 days.
France. 4/9/16 - 24/3/17. 201 days.
Total Service 2 Years 189 days.
He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
A Court of Inquiry was held into George’s accidental death details as follows:-
PROCEEDINGS OF A COURT OF INQUIRY HELD IN THE FIELD THIS TWENTY FOURTH (24th) DAY OF MARCH 1917 TO INVESTIGATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH NO 40749 PTE G. FIRBAN “C” COMPANY FIRST LEICESTERSHIRE RGT RECEIVED ACCIDENTAL INJURIES.
BY ORDER OF LIEUT COLONEL GILLESPIE D.S.O. COMMANDING FIRST LEICESTERSHIRE RGT.
President. Lieut G. N. Wykes. First Leicestershire Regt.
Members. 2/Lieut J. Scott.
2/Lieut G. Colborne Smith.
First Leicestershire Regt.
The Court opens at 4-40pm. and proceeds to take evidence.
First Evidence. 9436 L/Sgt C. W. Bates First Leics. Regt states:-
At 3-30pm 24/3/17 I was instructing a class in the Lewis Gun I partially stripped the gun taking off the butt and the trigger group. I inserted a round under the cartridge guide spring and pushed the cocking handle forward. I was explaining how the extractors grip the rim of the cartridge. I pressed the cocking handle forward and the round exploded. No. 40749 Pte G. Firban 1/Leics Regt was sitting in front of the gun under instruction and the bullet struck him. The round was issued with the spare parts.
Signed C. W. Bates L/Sgt.
Second Evidence. No.36492 Pte L. A. Edwards First Leics Regt states:-
I was in the class undergoing instruction under L/Sgt Bates in the Lewis Gun at 3-30pm 24/3/17. He was detailing the mechanism of the rifle and was explaining how the cartridge was carried into the breech at the same time as shewing the movements when a cartridge accidentally exploded hitting No 40749 Pte G. Firban “C” Coy First Leics Rgt who was also under instruction.
Signed Z. A. Edwards Pte.
Third Evidence. No 37849 Pte A. Morgan First Leics Regt States:-
I was undergoing a course of instruction in the Lewis Gun under L/Sgt Bates at 3-30pm 24/3/17. He was explaining the mechanism of the gun which was partially stripped at the time. He was explaining how a round was placed in the breech when accidentally the cartridge exploded hitting 40749 Pte G. Firban “C” Coy First Leics Rgt who was also under instruction.
Signed A. Morgan.
Fourth Evidence. No.40925 Pte J. H. Ellis First Leics Regt states:-
At 3-30pm 24/3/17 I was undergoing a course of instruction under L/Sgt Bates in the Lewis Gun. He partially stripped the gun and was explaining how a round was placed in the breech when accidentally the round exploded and hit No 40749 Pte G. Firban “C” Coy First Leics Rgt. The round was issued with the spare parts.
Signed J. H. Ellis Pte.
Fifth Evidence. No.189?6 Pte ?agley First Leics Regt states:-
I was undergoing a course of instruction in the Lewis Gun under L/Sgt Bates at 3-30pm 24/3/17 -?- -?- partially stripped the gun and was explaining how a round was placed in the breech when accidentally the round went off and hit No. 40749 Pte G. Firban “C” Coy First Leics Regt.
Signed J. ????ey Pte.
Sixth Evidence. No.40717 Pte S. Nicholls First Leics Rgt states:-
I was undergoing instruction in the Lewis Gun under L/Sgt Bates at 3-30pm 24/3/17. He had partially stripped the gun and was explaining how a round was placed in the breech when accidentally and suddenly the round exploded and hit No 40749 Pte G. Firban “C” Coy First Leics Regt. who was also under instruction.
Signed S. Nicholls Pte.
First Army Pro Forma No.16.Page 1.
To be rendered Duplicate to First Army “A” by units through Divisions.
To Headquarters 6th Division through 71st Brigade.
REPORT ON ACCIDENTAL OR SELF INFLICTED WOUNDS.
[1] Number, Rank, Name, and Unit: 40749 Private FURBAN, G. 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment.
[2] Date of Casualty: 24th March 1917.
[3] Location, nature, and severity of wounds: Accidentally KILLED.
[4] Whether likely to render unfit for further service: No record.
[5] Particulars as to how, or by whom caused, giving No., Rank, Name, etc., of Witnesses of the accident, and if due to a grenade, detonator, or bomb: 9436 Lance Sergeant W. BATES (Lewis Gun Instructor) is being remanded for trial by Field General Court-Martial.
[6] Whether the man is considered to blame: No.
[7] What action has been taken: No record.
Date: 25th March 1917 Signed R. H. Gillespie, Lieut-Colonel, Commanding 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
George’s surviving service record amounts to a total of nineteen pages and these are in very poor condition with much of the hand written information relating to his army service in some cases barely legible, damaged or missing entirely, however the content does offer at least a little descriptive insight into the events that took place during his period of military service.
The War Diary records: 24 Mar-17 - The Battalion were in billets in PHILOSOPHE and that between the 23rd and 28th March normal billet routine was in operation, and working parties for the front line were provided by 6 officers and 194 men daily. Casualties for the 24th March were other ranks “C” Company 1 killed and “D” Company 1 killed.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
George Firban was the eldest of the four children of Albert and Alice Kirkland of Coalville and the GG Grandson of Thomas Kirkland MD of Ashby. The photograph of George's grave marker came to his parents via their youngest son and was submitted by D. Kirkland in 2019.

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Coalville Times article - Friday April 20th, 1917

COALVILLE SOLDIER’S DEATH FROM ACCIDENTAL WOUNDS

Mr and Mrs A. Kirkland, of 48, Berrisford Street, Coalville, have been notified by the War Office that their son, Private Geo. Firban, of the Leicestershire Regiment, died in France, on March 24th, from wounds accidentally received.

The deceased soldier formerly worked at the Whitwick No. 3 pit. He enlisted at the great recruiting meeting at the Coalville Olympia soon after the outbreak of war, and would have been 20 years of age on April 11th. His father is a miner at Bagworth Collier.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 17th, 1917

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service was held in the Coalville Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening for Sergeant J. Hall, Gunner G. Beale and Pte. G. Firban, who have all made the supreme sacrifice for their country. The Rev. J. R. Sharpley, of Ashby, was the preacher. Special hymns were sung and the organist (Miss March) played, “O Rest in the Lord” and Chopin’s “Funeral March”. There was a good congregation.

Coalville Times article - Friday March 29th, 1918.

IN MEMORIAM

In affectionate remembrance of our dear son, Private George Firban Kirkland, Leicestershire Regiment, who died of wounds received in action in France, March 24th, 1917, aged 20 years.

“In health and strength he left his home,
Not thinking death so near;
Death came without a warning given,
And bade him meet his God in Heaven.

His King and country called him,
The call was not in vain,
On Britain’s Roll of Honour,
You will find our loved one’s name.”

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 19/10/2017