KAEBLE, Joseph KAMAL RAM KARAMJEET SINGH JUDGE KARANBAHADUR RANA KAVANAGH, Thomas Henry KEATINGE, Richard Harte KELLAWAY, Joseph KELLIHER, Richard KELLS, Robert KELLY, Henry KENEALLY, William, KENNA, Paul Aloysius
KENNEALLY, John Patrick KENNEDY, Charles Thomas KENNY, Henry Edward KENNY, James KENNY, Thomas KENNY, Thomas James Bede KENNY, William KER, Allan Ebenezer KERR, George Fraser KERR, John Chipman KERR, William Alexander KEYES, Geoffrey Charles Tasker
KEYSOR*, Leonard KHUDADAD KHAN KILBY, Arthur Forbes Gordon KINROSS, Cecil John KIRK, James KNIGHT, Arthur George KNIGHT, Henry James KNOWLANDS, George Arthur KULBIR THAPA
Corporal. 22nd Battalion. Quebec Regiment (French-Canadian)
Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 16th September 1918.
Born on 5th May 1893 at St. Moise, Quebec, Canada.
Killed in action 9th June 1918 at Neuville-Vitesse, France.
Memorial at Wanquetin Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th/9th June 1918 at Neuville-Vitesse, France, Corporal Kaeble
was in charge of a Lewis gun section during a strong enemy attack,
when all of his section but one became casualties. As soon as
the barrage lifted and about 50 of the enemy advanced, Corporal
Kaeble jumped over the parapet with his Lewis gun, emptying several
magazines into the advancing enemy. Although hit several times,
he continued to fire blocking the enemy advance, until he fell
mortally wounded. Even while lying on his back in the trench,
he fired his last cartridge over the parapet at the retreating
enemy.
Additional information: Corporal Kaeble also held the Military
Medal (MM).
Sepoy*. 8th Punjab Regiment. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 27th July, 1944.
Born on 18th December, 1924 at Bholunpura, a village in the Karauli
State, India.
Died in 1982 (Place and date of death unknown.)
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th May 1944 at the River Gari, Italy, the advance of the
company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire coming from four
posts on the front and flanks. The capture of the position was
essential and Sepoy Kamal RAM volunteered to get to the rear of
the right post and silence it. He attacked the first two posts
single-handed, killing or taking prisoner the occupants and together
with a Havildar** he then went on and completed the destruction
of a third. His outstanding bravery unquestionably saved a difficult
situation at a critical period in the battle.
* Private
** Sergeant
Additional information:. Kamal Ram attained the rank of Subadar
(Captain).
Lieutenant. 4th Battalion. 58 Punjab Regiment. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 3rd July, 1945.
Born on 25th May 1923 at Kapurthala, India.
Killed in action on 18th March, 1945, near Meiktila, Burma.
Tribute on the Taukkyan Cremation Memorial, Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 18th March, 1945 near Meiktila, Burma, Lieutenant Karamjeet
Singh Judge, a platoon commander of the company ordered to capture
a cotton mill, dominated the battlefield by his numerous acts
of gallantry. After eliminating 10 enemy bunkers he directed one
tank to within 20 yards of another and asked its commander to
cease fire whilst he went in to mop up. It was whilst doing this
that he was mortally wounded.
Rifleman 2nd/3rd Battalions Queen Alexandra's Own, Gurkha Rifles,
Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 21st June 1918.
Born on 20th December 1898 at Mangalthan, Litung, in the Bahlung
District of Nepal.
Died on 6th August 1973 at Litung, in the Bahlung District of
Nepal.
Memorial not yet recorded.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10 April 1918 at El Kefr, Egypt, during an attack, Rifleman
Karabahadur Rana and a few other men crept forward with a Lewis
gun under intense fire to engage an enemy machine-gun. No 1 of
the Lewis gun team opened fire but was shot almost immediately,
whereupon the rifleman pushed the dead man off the gun, opened
fire, knocked out the enemy gun crew and then silenced the fire
of the enemy bombers and riflemen in front of him. During the
remainder of the day he did magnificent work and finally assisted
with covering fire in the withdrawal, until the were close on
him.
Additional information: On Saturday the 2nd August, 1919 there
was a parade of His Majesty's Indian Troops through London. Naik
(Corporal) Karanbahadur Rana was in that proud assembly.They were
received at Buckingham Palace by King George V who personally
thanked them for their loyalty and magnificent service during
the war. Also on this occasion Naik Karanbahadur Rana was decorated
by the King with the Victoria Cross.
Mr. Bengal Civil Service.
London Gazetted on 6th July, 1859.
Born on 15th July, 1821 at Mullingar, County West Meath, Ireland.
Died on 11th November 1882 on Gibraltar.
Memorial on grave at North Front Cemetery, Gibraltar.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th November, 1857 at Lucknow, India, Mr Kavanagh volunteered
to go, in disguise,through the city, to the camp of the relieving
force outside, so that he could guide them to do beleaguered garrison
in the Residency. This mission was performed against overwhelming
odds and was successful. The garrison was relieved.
Major. Bombay Artillery. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 25th February, 1862.
Born on 17th June 1825 at Dublin, Ireland.
Died on 25th May 1904 at Horsham, Sussex.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17th March 1858 during the assault of Chundairee, India, Major
Keatinge voluntarily led the column through the breach which was
being protected by heavy crossfire. He was amongst the first to
enter a and was severely wounded. The column was saved from serious
loss which would probably have resulted, but for the major's knowledge
of the area. Having cleared the breach, he led the column into
the fort where he was wounded again.
Additional information:. Lieutenant General Keating was made
a Companion of the Order of the Star of India. (CSI).
Boatswain 3rd-class .Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February, 1857.
Born on 1st September 1824 at Kingston, Dorset.
Died on 2nd October 1880 at Chatham in Kent.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st August, 1855 in the Sea of Azov, Crimea, Boatswain Kellaway
of HMS Wrangler, along with the Mate and three Seamen, were put
ashore to burn enemy boats, fishing stations and haystacks on
the opposite side of a small lake. They had almost reached the
spot when they were ambushed by 50 Russians. One seaman fell into
their hands, but Mr Kellaway and the other two Seamen had escaped
when the Mate accidentally fell. Mr Kellaway immediately went
back to his aid, but they were soon surrounded by the enemy. In
spite of the gallant resistance by Mr Kellaway they were tak.en
prisoner.
Additional information:. Chief Boatswain Kellaway also held the
Legion d'Honneur of France.
Private. 2nd/ 5th Battalion. (Queensland). Australian Military
Forces.
London Gazetted on 30th December 1943.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra,
Australia.
Born 1st September 1910 at Ballybeggan, Tralee, County Kerry,
Ireland.
Died on 28th January 1963 at Melbourne, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Springvale Lawn Cemetery, Melbourne and on
the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th September, 1943 in New Guinea, the platoon to which Private
Kelliher was attached came under very heavy fire from a concealed
machine gun. It prevented the platoon's advance and caused many
severe casualties. On his own initiative, Private Kelliher, suddenly
dashed towards the post and hurled two grenades at it, killing
some, but not all, of the enemy. He returned to his section, seized
a Bren gun then dashed back to the enemy post and silenced it.
Asking and recieving permission, he then went out again to rescue
his wounded section leader, which he accomplished successfully
under heavy fire from another enemy position.
Lance-Corporal. 9th Lancers *
London Gazetted on the 24th December, 1858.
Born on 7th April, 1832 at Meerut, India.
Died on 14th April 1905 in London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th September, 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, when his commanding
officer was lying in a street with his collarbone broken and his
horse disabled, Lance-Corporal Kells defended him against a number
of the enemy and stay with him until the danger was over.
* Queen's Royal
Additional information: He also held the Royal Victorian Medal
(RVM). On leaving the 9th Lancers he became a sergeant in the
Yeomen of the Guard and Trumpet Major.
Temporary Lieutenant (later Major) 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington's
Regiment. (West Riding)
London Gazetted on 25th October 1916
Born on 10th July 1887 at Moston, Manchester, Lancashire.
Died on 18th January 1960 at Prestwich, Lancashire.
No recorded Memorial.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4 October 1916 at Le Sars, France, Second Lieutenant Kelly
twice rallied his company under the heaviest fire and eventually
led the only three available men of h9is company into the enemy's
trench, remaining there bombing, until two of his men became casualties
and enemy replacements arrived from the rear. He then carried
his wounded company sergeant-major back to our trenches, a distance
of 70 yards, and subsequently brought in more wounded.
Additional information: He was the son of Charles Kelly from
Dublin, and his wife, Jane,(née McGarry) of Manchester.
He was educated at St. Patrick's School and Xavarerian Brothers'
College, both in Manchester. On the 5th September 1914 he joined
the Army. His promotions were on the following dates, 12th May
1915 to Temporary 2nd Lieutenant; 11th September 1916 to Temporary
Lieutenant; 21st September 1917 to Temporary Captain and 19th
July 1919 to Temporary Major.
He sailed for France in May 1916 and he served there in the European
War (WW1) and also in Belgium and Italy. He was involved in the
battles of the Somme 1916, Ypres, ( Messines Ridge 7th June 1917
and Menin Road on 20th September 1917.) On the 15th June 1918
he was in Italy at the Asago Plateau and the following October
27th at Piave.
.He was also awarded The Military Cross ,London Gazetted 24th
September 1918,whilst in charge of two companies, carried out
a raid on the night of 21/22nd of June 1918 on enemy trenches,
and in bright moonlight, captured 51 prisoners and two machine-guns.also
killing a large number of the enemy. The following October at
the Piave he attacked Austrian positions and captured several
machine-guns and showed great quality of leadership. For this
he was awarded a Bar to his MC. He also held the Grand laurelled
Cross of San Fernando. (Spain)
Private, (later Sergeant) 1st Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 24th August 1915.
Born on: 26th December 1886 at Wexford, Ireland.
Died on: 29th June 1915 at Gallipoli
Memorial at: Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 25th April 1915 west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, three
companies and the Headquarters of the 1st Battalion, Lancashire
Fusiliers, when landing on West Beach, were met by very deadly
fire from hidden machine-guns which caused a large number of casualties.
The survivors however, rushed up and cut the wire entanglements
not withstanding the terrific fire from the enemy and after overcoming
supreme difficulties the cliffs were gained and the position maintained.
(Private Keneally was one of the six members of the Regiment elected
for the award. The other five* were BROMLEY. C; GRIMSHAW J.E.;
RICHARDS A.J; STUBBS, F.E; and WILLIS, R.R). * SEE INDIVIDUAL
CITATIONS.
Captain. 21st Lancers *
London Gazetted on 15th November, 1898.
Born on 2nd February, 1862 at Everton, Liverpool.
Died of wounds on 30th August 1915 at Suvla, Gallipoli.
Memorial on grave at Lala Baba Cemetery, Suvla Bay, Gallipoli.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd September, 1898 at the Battle of Khartoum in the Sudan,
when a major of the 21st Lancers was in danger, as his horse had
been shot in the charge, Captain Kenna took the major up on his
own horse, to a place of safety. Captain Kenna returned, after
the charge, to help Lieutenant R.H,L.J. DE Montmorency, who was trying to recover the body of an officer who had
been killed.
* 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers.
Additional information: Brigadier General Kenna also held
the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). At the commencement of
the European War (WW I) he commanded the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Mounted Brigade, serving in Egypt in 1914 and then to Gallipoli.
On the 2nd December, 1906 he was appointed ADC to King Edward
VII until 1910, continuing to as ADC, to King George V, until
his death in Gallipoli in 1915.
Lance-Corporal. Irish Guards.
London Gazetted on 17th August, 1943.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ
Born on 15th March 1921 at Birmingham.
Death not recorded.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th April 1943 at Dj Arada in Tunisia, Lance-Corporal Kenneally
charged alone down a bare forward slope straight into the main
body of the enemy who were about to make an attack, firing his
Bren gun from the hip. The enemy were so surprised that they broke
up in disarray. The Lance-Corporal carried out a similar action
on 30th April when, accompanied by a sergeant of the Reconnaissance
Corps, he charged the enemy forming up for an assault and inflicted
many casualties. After he was wounded he still refused to give
up. Using a comrade as a support on one side, he hopped from one
firing position to another carrying his gun in one hand.
Additional information:. He attained the rank off Company Quartermaster
Sergeant. He was the last person in the African campaign to be
awarded the Victoria Cross.
Private. 2nd Battalion. Highland Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 18th October, 1901.
Born on 6th January 1876 at Westport, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Died on 24th April 1907 at Edinburgh.
Memorial on grave at Merchiston Cemetery, Edinburgh.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd November, 1902 at Dewetsdorp, South Africa, Private Kennedy
carried a wounded comrade who was bleeding to death, from Gibraltar
Hill to a hospital, a distance of three quarters of a mile, under
very heavy fire. The following day, he volunteered to carry a
message to the Commandant across a piece of country, over which
it was almost certain death to venture. He was severely wounded
before he had gone 20 yards, thus enabling him incapable of delivering
the message.
Private. 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th March, 1916.
Born on 27th July 1888 at Hackney, London.
Died on 6th May, 1979 net Chertsey, Surrey.
Memorial on grave at St John's Cemetery, Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 25th September, 1915, near Loos, France, Private Kenny
went out on six different occasions, under extremely heavy shell,
rifle and machine gun fire. Each time he carried back, to a place
of safety, a wounded man who had been lying in the open. Whilst
handing the last wounded soldier over the parapet, he himself
was wounded.
Private. 53rd Regiment *
London Gazetted on 24th December, 1858.
Born in 1826 (?)
Died on 3rd October, 1862 at Mooltan, India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th November, 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private Kenny showed
conspicuous bravery at the assault on the Secundra Bagh, when
in spite of most heavy crossfire he volunteered to bring up fresh
ammunition to his company.
* King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
Additional information:. Private Kenny was elected the the Victoria
Cross by the Regiment.
Private. 13th Battalion. Durham Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 7th December, 1915.
Born on 4th April 1882 at South Wingate, County Durham.
Died on 29th November, 1958 at Durham.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th November 1915 near La Houssoie, France, in thick mist,
an officer in charge of a Patrol was shot through both thighs.
Private Kenny, although repeatedly fired on by the enemy, crawled
about for more than an hour with the wounded officer on his back,
as he sought his way through the fog to our trenches. Although
told several times to leave the officer, he refused, until at
last, utterly exhausted, he left him in a comparatively safe ditch
and then went for help. He then guided a rescue party to the wounded
officer, who was brought to a place of safety.
Additional information:. He attained rank of Lance Sergeant.
Privates. Second Battalion (New South Wales) Australian Imperial
Force.
London Gazetted on 8th June, 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra,
Australia.
Born on 29th September, 1896 at Paddington, Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia.
Died on 15th April, 1953 at Sydney, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Eastern Suburbs Cemetery, Sydney and on the
Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th April 1917 at Hermies, France, when his platoon was held
up by an enemy strong point, and severe casualties prevented progress,
Private Kenny, under very heavy fire and at close range, dashed
forward alone towards the enemy's position. He killed one man
who tried to bar his way and then bombed the position. Private
Kenny captured the gun crew, all of whom he had earlier wounded,
killed an officer and seized the gun.
Additional information: He attained the rank of corporal.
Drummer. 2nd Battalion. Gordon Highlanders.
London Gazetted on 18th February, 1915.
Born on 24th August, 1880 at Malta.
Died on 10th January 1936 at London.
Memorial on grave at Brookwood Cemetery, Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd October 1914 near Ypres, Belgium, Drummer Kenny rescued
wounded men on five occasions under very heavy fire. Twice previously
he had saved machine guns by carrying them out of action, and
on numerous occasions he conveyed urgent messages under very dangerous
circumstances over fire-swept ground.
Additional information: Attained rank of Drum Major.
Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion. Gordon Highlanders attached to 61st
Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.
London Gazetted on 4th September, 1919.
Born on 5th March, 1883 at Edinburgh, Scotland.
Died on 12th September 1958 at London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st March, 1918 at St Quentin, France, when the enemy had
penetrated the line, Lieutenant Ker, with one Vicker's gun, succeeded
in holding up the attack, inflicting many enemy casualties. He
stayed at the post with a sergeant and several men who had been
badly wounded, beating off bayonet attacks with revolvers after
the Vickers gun had been destroyed. Although exhausted from lack
of food and gas poisoning, from fighting and looking after the
wounded, Lieutenant Ker surrendered only after all his ammunition
was gone and they were overrun by the enemy. He and his men had
held 500 enemy at bay for over three hours.
Additional information: He attained a rank of Major .
Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion. 1st Central Ontario Regiment *. Canadian
Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 6th January, 1919.
Born on 8th June 1894 at Deseronto, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 8th December 1929 at Toronto, Canada.
Memorial on grave at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th September 1918 at Bourlon Wood, France, Lieutenant Kerr
acted with conspicuous bravery and leadership during operations,
giving timely support by outflanking a machine-gun which was impeding
the advance. Later, when the advance was held up again by a strong
point and being well in advance of his company, he rushed the
enemy strong point single-handed and captured four machine-guns
and 31 prisoners.
* Toronto Regiment.
Additional information:. Captain Kerr also held the Military
Cross (MC) and Bar and the Military Medal (M M).
Private. 49th Battalion. Alberta Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary
Force.
London Gazetted on 26th October, 1916.
Born on 11th January 1887 at Fox River, Cumberland County, Nova
Scotia, Canada.
Died on 19th February, 1963 at Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
During a bombing attack on the 16th September 1916 at Courcelette,
France, Private Kerr, acting as a bayonet man, noticed that they
were running short of bombs. He ran along the parados under heavy
fire until he was close to the enemy. He opened fire at point
blank range inflicting heavy losses. Assuming that they were surrounded,
62 of the enemy surrendered as well as 250 yards of the enemy
trench being captured. Earlier in the action, Private Kerr's fingers
had been blown off, but didn't stop to have his wounds dressed
until he and two others had escorted the prisoners back, still
under heavy fire, before reporting for duty.
Lieutenant. 24th Bombay Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 24th April, 1858.
Born on 18th July, 1831 at Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland.
Died on 19th May 1919 at Folkestone, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10th July 1857 at Kolapore, India, Lieutenant Kerr, along with
a small party, went to attack the position taken up by mutineers
in the stronghold near the town. The attacking party had no guns
and the enemy kept up a ceaseless fire. Lieutenant Kerr made a
dash at one of the gateways with a some dismounted men and forced
an entrance. The attack was a success, the defenders being either
killed, wounded or captured.
Additional information:. He later attained the rank of Captain.
Private. 1st Battalion. (New South Wales). Australian Imperial
Force.
London Gazetted on 12th October 1951.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra,
Australia.
Born on 3rd November 1885 at Maida Vale, London..
Died on 12th October 1951 at London.
He was cremated at St John's Wood Crematorium, London.
Memorial on Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Private Keysor was
in a trench which was being heavily attacked by enemy bombers.
Picking up two live enemy bombs, threw them back at great risk
to himself. He continued throwing bombs until wounded. On 8th
August in the the same place, he successfully bombed the enemy
out of a position where they had gained temporary mastery over
his own trench. He was again wounded but refused to go into hospital.
He volunteered to throw bombs for another company which had lost
its bomb throwers, continuing the bombing until the situation
was relieved.
* or KEYZOR.
Additional information: He attained the rank of Lieutenant
Sepoy * 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 7th December, 1914.
Born on 26th October, 1888 at Dabb, Chakwal, in the Jhelum District
of the Punjab, India.
Died on 8th March 1971 in Pakistan.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st October 1914 at Hollebeke, Belgium, Sepoy Khudadad Khan
was in the Machine-Gun section of his battalion, operating one
of the two guns. The British officer in charge of the detachment
was wounded and the other gun was put out of action by a shell.
Sepoy Khudadad Khan continued working his gun although he himself
was wounded, after all the other five members of the detachment
had been killed. Left for dead by the enemy, he was able to crawl
carefully back and rejoin his unit later.
* Private.
Additional information:. Khudadad Khan attained rank of Subadar
(Captain). He was the first Indian-born soldier to receive a Victoria
Cross.
Captain. 2nd Battalion. South Staffordshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th March 1916.
Born on 3rd February, 1885 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
He was missing, presumed killed, on 25th September 1915.
Memorial at Arras Road Cemetery, France, at York Minster and at
the Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffs.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st September, 1915 near Cuinchy, France, Captain Kilby, at
his own request, was selected to lead his company in an attack
on a strong enemy Redoubt. Headed by the captain, who was already
wounded, they charged along the narrow towpath, under devastating
machine-gun fire and a hail of bombs, right up to the enemy wire.
He was shot down and his foot blown off but he continued to cheer
his men on and use his rifle. He was missing after this action
and presumed killed.
Additional information: Captain Kilby also held a Military Cross.
Private. 49th Battalion. Alberta Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary
Force.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
Born on 13th July, 1897 at Hillhead, Clackmannan, Scotland
Died on 21st June 1957 at Loughead, Alberta, Canada.
Memorial not known:
Digest of Citation reads:
On third in October 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgian, shortly after
an attack was launched, Private Kinross' company came under very
heavy fire, any chance of further advance being held up by an
enemy machine-gun. Private Kinross carefully surveying the situation,
removed all of his equipment except for his rifle and bandolier
and then advanced alone over open ground in broad daylight. He
charged the machine-gun killing the crew of six, seizing and destroying
the gun. His superb example and courage allowed an extremely important
position to be established
Second Lieutenant. 10th Battalion. (attached 2nd Battalion) Manchester
Regiment.
London Gazetted on 6th January, 1919.
Born on 27th January, 1897 at 'Willow Bank' Adswood, Cheadle Hulme,
Cheshire.
Killed in action on 4th November 1918 at Ors, France.
Memorial at Ors Communal Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th November 1918 the Battalion was attempting to bridge the
Oise Canal, north of Ors, France. To cover this activity, Second
Lieutenant Kirk took a Lewis gun, and went, under intense fire,
paddling, on a raft, across the canal. At a range of only 10 yards,
he expended all his ammunition. More ammunition was paddled across
to him and he continued to maintain covering fire, for the bridging
party, from a most exposed position. He maintained this post until
he was killed.
Additional information:. James Kirk was born at 'Willow Bank',
Adswood, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. He was the son of James and
Rachel Kirk. He was educated at Miss Chadwick's, of Cheadle Hulme
and at Brentnall Street, Stockport. He played football for the
Seymour's Old Boys Association and was also a member of the Edge
Lane Cricket Club. On 10th October 1914, at the age of 17, he
joined the 6th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment as a Private.
He left for the Dardanelles in July 1915 and was present at the
storming of Achi Baba in September 1915. The following November
he was invalided from Gallipoli to Egypt, suffering from frostbite,
where he spent six weeks in hospital in Cairo.
On his release he joined the 1st Camel Corps being promoted to
Quartermaster-Sergeant on the 5th January 1916. Whilst on a trek,
across the desert, he came across his old outfit, the Manchester
Regiment, which he rejoined in January 1917 and they were sent
to France. In December 1917 he left France with a recommendation
for a commission and in June 1918 was London Gazetted Second Lieutenant.
He returned to France in October 1918 and was killed just one
week before the end of the war.
Sergeant. 10th Battalion. Alberta Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary
Force.
London Gazetted on 15th November, 1918.
Born on 26th June, 1886 at Haywards Heath, Sussex.
Died of wounds on 3rd September, 1918 at Villers-les-Cagnicourt,
France.
Memorial on grave at Dominion Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd September, 1918 at Villers-les-Cagnicourt, France, after
an unsuccessful attack, the bombing section which she was leading
was held up by the enemy. Sergeant Knight went forward alone,
bayoneted several machine-gunners and trench mortar crews which
caused the remainder to retire. He brought forward a Lewis gun
and directed the fire on the retreating enemy. Whilst his platoon
went off in pursuit, he saw about 30 of the enemy going into a
tunnel leading off the trench. Again, alone, he went forward,
killing one officer and two NCOs and taking 20 prisoner. Following
this, yet again single-handed, he routed another hostile party.
On each occasion he displayed the greatest Valour under extreme
conditions of fire. His example of courage of the gallantry and
initiative was an inspiration to all. A short while later he
was fatally wounded.
Additional information: No. 426402 Sergeant Knight also held
the Croix de Guerre of France.
He joined the 46th Battalion at Regina in Decembewr 1914, being
with the 10th Battalion when he won his Victoria Cross. He was
a carpenter by trade.
Corporal. 1st Battalion. King's (Liverpool) Regiment (No 1 Coy.
4th Mounted Infantry)
London Gazetted on 4th January, 1901.
Born on 5th November, 1878 at Yeovil, Somerset.
Died on 24th November, 1955 at Anderson, near Blandford, Dorset.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st August 1900 near Van Wyk's Vlei, South Africa, Corporal
Knight and four men were attacked by the enemy whilst, posted
in some rocks, covering the right rear of the detachment of their
company.under Captain Ewart. Corporal Knight held his ground,
ordered his men to retire, one by one, to seek better cover. He
maintained his position for nearly an hour covering the withdrawal
of a part of Captain Ewart's force, during which time he lost
two of his four men. When he retired he took with him two wounded
men. He left one of them in a place of safety whilst he carried
the other for almost two miles. They were under continuous enemy
fire at all times.
Additional information:. Henry Knight attained the rank of Captain.(Sketch
12th March 1915)
Lieutenant The Royal Norfolk Regiment. attchd No 1 Commando Unit.
London Gazetted on 12th April 1945
Born on: 16th August 1922 at Catford in Kent.
Killed in action on: 31st January 1945 at Kangaw, Burma.
Memorial at grave in Taukkyan War Cemetery in Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31 January 1945 at Kangaw, Burma, Lieutenant Knowland wazs
in command of a forward platoon of a troop which was being heavily
attacked; some 300 of the enemy concentrating on his 24 men. When
all the crew of one of his Bren-Guns had been wounded, the lieutenant
manned it himself, standing up to fire at 10 yards range, until
the casualties had been evacuated. For 12 hours he held his ground
until he was eventually mortally wounded.
Additional information: In a more detailed account of Lieutenant
Knowlands action, it states, that when reinforcements arrived,
he then took over a 2 inch mortar and fired it from the hip, a
most unusual thing to do mainly because the recoil would be phenominal.
He was protecting supplies being landed on the banks of the Myitka
River. It gave the men around him inspiration as he stood in full
view of every soldier involved, including the Japanese. He was
only 22 years old when he was killed.
Rifleman (later Havildar*) 2nd Battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles,
Indian Army
London Gazetted on 18th November 1915.
Born on on 15th September 1888 at Nigalpani, Palba, Nepal.
Died on 3rd October 1956 in Nepal.
Memorial not recorded.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25 September 1915, south of Fauquissart, France, Rifleman
Kulbir Thapa, having been wounded himself, found a wounded soldier
of The Leicestershire Regiment behind the first-line German trench.
Although urged to save himself, the Gurkha stayed with the wounded
man all day and night. Early next day, in misty weather, he took
him through the German wire and, leaving him in a place of comparative
safety, returned and brought in two wounded Gurkhas, one after
the other. He then went back, and , in broad daylight, fetched
the British soldier, carrying him most of the way under enemy
fire.
*Sergeant.
Additional information: Service No:2129. It was reported that
on the 26th September, during the misty weather, the German troops
left their trenches to barbarically shoot and bayonet the wounded.
Surviving his wounds he went with his regiment to Egypt. Kulbir
Thapa eventually returned to his home country of Nepal.