Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Kirk, an ironstone labourer, born 1859 in Scalford, Leicestershire and his wife Judith Kirk (nee Allen, married on the 11th May 1885 in SS. Peter and Paul Church, Upton, Nottinghamshire), born 1864 in Upton, Nottinghamshire. John was born in the 1st quarter of 1887 in Scalford and was baptised on the 20th February 1887 in Scalford, he had one sibling, Arthur, born 1890 in Scalford and was baptised on the 13th December 1890 in Scalford, in April 1891 the family home was at Chapel Street, Scalford. In March 1901 John was employed as a butcher’s boy and was residing in the family home at Chapel Street, Scalford, together with his father, an ironstone labourer, his mother and brother Arthur, a schoolboy. In April 1911 John was absent from the family home in Scalford, residing there was his father, an ironstone labourer, his mother and brother, Harry, born 1st September1902 in Scalford and baptised on the 28th September 1902 in Scalford, also residing in the family home was John’s adopted sister, Gladys Bennett, a schoolgirl, born 1900 in Oakham, Rutland, John was employed as a butcher’s assistant and was residing at Scalford. John married Ethel Sanders on the 13th November 1912 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Ethel was born on the 28th June 1887 in Melton Mowbray, at the time of his marriage he gave his home address as Basingstoke, Hampshire. They had the following children, John G., born 2nd October 1913 in Basingstoke, Loraine, born 1915 and William, born 1917, the latter two children were both born in Stone, Staffordshire. John was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 21 Mar-18 – Refer attached sheets by Major T. McLACHLAN M.C.
The War Diary records: 22 Mar-18 - Refer attached sheets by Major T. McLACHLAN M.C.
The War Diary records: 23 Mar-18 – The Battalion was relieved by the 92nd Brigade 31st Division and marched to ABLAINZEVILLE.
DIARY REPORT by CAPT. T. McLACHLAN, M.C., 25th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, of operations on March 21st, 22nd and 23rd 1918.
On the night of March 21st/22nd 1918 my Company were occupying a position from U.25.a.60.65 to U.19.c.10.40 in the Reserve Battalion sector with the 102nd Brigade.
At about 4.30am on the morning of the 21st a heavy enemy bombardment opened. The shells employed consisted largely of gas mixed with high explosive. This bombardment lasted for roughly 4 hours. After this period a slight lull for about 20 minutes took place, and the enemy bombardment recommenced this time many more H.E. shells being used.
At roughly about 11.30am I received an order from Batt. H.Q. to be prepared to counter attack on Tiger trench at U.20.d.10.00. About an hour later I received a second order to form a defensive flank on the right at U.25.d with my left resting on Pelican Avenue. In pursuance of this order I sent two platoons under 2/Lt. Bowmer along Bunhill Row in the direction of Leg lane and I myself took two platoons along the road from U.25.a.50.60 to U.25 central. On reaching the point where the 100 contour crosses this road masses of the enemy, several Battalions strong, were seen on Ecoust Spur within 300 to 500 yards in our right rear about the junction of the square T.U.B. and C and advancing in North Westerly direction. At this point we were subjected to very heavy rifle and machine gun fire from the enemy on the spur, many casualties being inflicted on my force, I thereupon withdrew in a North Westerly direction, parallel to the Railway embankment, and North East of this embankment, throwing out a loose defensive right flank. This I did with a view to preventing an enemy encircling movement from my right.
On reaching the trench running from T.24.b.10.20 Southwards I made an attempt to man it, reinforced by men of “A” Coy. 2/Lt. Vipond, O.C. “A” Coy, joining me here, but found the enemy still advancing on my flank. I thereupon threw out a right flank in the direction of the windmill at T.24.d.15.43 placing a strong post on the windmill mound. This position however became untenable on account of the enemy’s drive still further to our right, and at about 2 o’clock I withdrew to form a flank along the Railway embankment from T.24.d.20.80 to the cross roads T.23.d.80.40 and pushed men along the sunken road from this point to T.29.b.40.10. At this point I found that the ground held by me was too much for the number of men at my disposal, and had to withdraw men from the embankment T.23.d.20.80 to T.23.c.50.60 to strengthen the flank. Then I was joined by “B” Coy., under 2/Lt. Coleby at the cross roads, who had come down along the SENSEE VALLEY from his stand to position in the Second System.
At this point I sent messages to Brigade Headquarters giving my position and stating that I was not sure of my flanks and also asking for assistance on the flanks. Whilst holding this position men gradually came back and I was further reinforced by one platoon from the 9th Bn. Northumberland Fus., and got touch between T.29.b.40.10 and T.29.c.55.70 – CIROA. I sent one platoon to man Croiselles Switch at about T.23.a.50.30. I tried to man the high ground about T.29.d.25.40, but at each attempt the men sent forward became casualties and I had to abandon this project.
At this point an Officer of the Royal Scots brought information that Nelly Avenue was held as front line so again I pushed men out along the Railway embankment to link up. This attempt however was not successful owing to the length of the gap, and the number of men at my disposal. Again on account of pressure I found it necessary to reinforce my right flank. Parties of Royal Scots now came back from Croiselles along the road T.18.c.40.30 to T.23.d.00.65, who manned Croiselles Switch from T.23.d.40.10 to about T.23.a.70.80. I was in immediate touch with this garrison. With the reinforcements of the Brigade Pioneer Company, which now came up (at about 5 o’clock roughly) and which had orders to link up, I strengthened my right flank between myself and the 9th Bn. Northumberland Fus., in the third system, as I was already in touch. I was then able to withdraw men from my right and man the trench between T.29.b.65.90 and T.23.d.40.20. This we held until ordered to withdraw at about ?pm.
When my first party was ready to move the enemy attempted to rush the Sunken Road about T.29.b.50.40 to T.29.b.60.80 from the South East. This we prevented by a rifle, Lewis Gun and Rifle Grenade fire, then by order I withdrew from this Sunken Road, commencing at about 8 o’clock, and held Croiselles Switch North from T.17.c.90.20 to T.17.b.60.10. This was completed by 2.30am the delay being caused by our finding the line occupied and held by 103rd Brigade, who withdrew on relief by us. The garrison here was disposed 110 in the front line, one post of 10 being placed in the Sunken Road, about T.17.d.00.00. 70 men were in support in the Sunken Road T.17.c.50.45 to T.17.c.70.90. I estimated my H.Q. at about T.17.c.40.80. Between 3 and 4am a party of some 250 of the 23rd Bn. Northumberland Fus., joined me in the front line, and by order of the Officer Commanding the Royal Scots, the Battalion on my left, were disposed 200 in the front line and 50 in support. Patrols were sent out in the village during the night, but could find no signs of enemy occupation. At dawn the enemy recommenced his attack, massing behind the ridge along the 90 contour from point about T.17.d.70.50 running South West, and as the morning was misty and visibility low found good cover. I reported this massing to Brigade H.Q. and arranged Artillery cooperation and assistance with Gunner Liaison Officer. Little Artillery support however could be obtained. On our front the enemy attempted several attacks in small penetrating parties, but was beaten off by rifle and Lewis Gun fire. At about 8am the enemy broke through at T.23.a.60.55 and penetrated as far as the road junction T.23.a.20.65. I immediately organised a counter attack from the Sunken Road between T.17.a.35.30 to T.17.c.50.70 leading round into position from a line extending roughly from the cross roads T.17.c.65.60 to T.22.b.60.65. 2/Lt Vipond with 2/Lts. Coleby and Bowmer were in charge of this counter attack. They gradually worked forward by sectional rushes, covered by Lewis and Vickers gun fire, and pressed the enemy right back. The success of this counter attack might have been very valuable, but at this point the enemy broke through on the left of the Royal Scots front, roughly between T.17.b.10.35 and T.17.a.80.70. Here the Royal Scots retired without warning, leaving my left flank in the air, and I was compelled to form a defensive flank over the Sunken Road from T.17.c.65.80 to about T.17.a.35.25 facing North East. Under cover of this flank I withdrew with my garrison, but on account of the speed with which the enemy pressed his attack, and the difficulty of communication and the ground, a few of the more isolated parties of my line were cut off fighting. I was 2/Lt. Peckleton immediately before this withdrawal. On withdrawal (about 11 o’clock) I took up a position on Hill Switch on the right of the Royal Scots from T.16.b.20.20 and T.16.d.00.60 – CIRCA. After my line was organised and my posts in position, we were subjected to heavy enemy bombardment, and the line probably being broken on one of our left flank Battalions, the two Battalions on our left flank again withdrew without warning, in as it was impossible to obtain any information as to the reason for their retirement; and my left flank being exposed, I threw out a small cover flank under 2/Lt. Bowmer at about T.16 central, and successfully withdrew the remainder of my force to the third system firing line. On establishment here I reported in person to Brigade H.Q. I was then ordered to form a flank running back from T.16 central along 100 contour to about T.22.c.10.80 across to T.21.d.40.85 parallel with the road running North West through T.21.b and a. This was barely completed when the enemy broke through in front of St. Leger, and the order was given to withdraw and hold the third line firing system between T.21.c.35.35 and T.21.c.45.00.
At dusk much movement was seen on the enemy front, many various coloured lights being sent up, and by the morning of the 23rd the enemy had pressed forward bringing up Pine Apple Trench Mortar to about T.22.c.50.65 and a Machine Gun to about T.21.b.65.65. As soon as daylight appeared, a great amount of enemy movement was seen about Hill Switch, and scouts and small bodies of men were seen advancing, and later continuous streams of men from about T.22.b.d crossed the valley at T.15 central behind the Spur at T.21.a and 15.c. I again got in touch with the Artillery, and the advancing enemy were subjected to a heavy shell fire and fire from rifles and Lewis Guns. The enemy casualties were seen to be heavy. This attack did not materialise on our front, but seemed to strike further on our left.
At about 9am on the 23rd, our relief by troops of the 31st Division was begun, but in view of this attack by the enemy was not completed until about 3pm.
During the relief there was no extensive enemy operation on our front.
DIARY of EVENTS of OPERATIONS from 4.30am to 1.30pm March 21st 1918 by 2/Lt. OXTOBY A. H. of 25th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, being in reserve to the 102nd Brigade.
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS – BUNHILL ROW, U.25.d.
At 4.30am March 21st 1918, the enemy opened out with an intense bombardment, gas shells and H.E. shells being used. This bombardment continued until about 8.30am when there was a lull of about 20 minutes, followed by another bombardment which lasted until 11.30am.
About this time reports reached battalion H.Q. that the enemy had broken through on our right, but were held in check at VALLEY SUPPORT U.21.c.3.2.
At 12 noon a message was received from Capt. Lavine 102nd T.M.B. to the effect that the enemy were in ECOUST, and he and 10 men were holding the ECOUST – CROISILLES Road.
At about 12.30pm The Commanding Officer decided to move Battalion H.Q. to the H.Q. vacated by “A” Coy. at T.24.d.8.5. In consequence of this I received orders to move immediately. The Commanding Officer and Adjutant moved in advance, having decided to call at the H.Q. of the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers. I last saw them close to the 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers H.Q. as I passed on my way to the new H.Q., where I arrived about 12.45pm, and waited for 30 minutes, but the C.O. and Adjutant did not appear.
We then decided to return to Bunhill Row, but before this could be done the enemy were between us and the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers H.Q., and we had to go back owing to heavy enemy Machine Gun and rifle fire.
We then reported to Capt. McLachlan.
Signed A. H. OXTOBY, 2/Lt. 2/4/18.
On Friday April 19th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL BUTCHER KILLED.- Mr. George Kirk of Scalford, has received information that his son Pte. J. Kirk of the Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action in France about March 21st or 23rd. Deceased, who was 31 years of age, was a butcher, and before joining up was manager for Mr. G. H. Brownlow, of Stone, Staffordshire. He married a daughter of Mr. G. F. Sanders, signalman, Great Northern Cottages, Melton Mowbray, and leaves young children.