George Thomas Kirk was born on 19 August 1899 at Morda, Oswestry. He was the eldest child of George and Annie Kirk. His siblings were Dora, William and Hilda. In 1901 they were living at Drill Cottage, Morda Rookery, Morda, Oswestry. In 1911 they had moved to Upper Weston Cottages and, by the time of the war to Brook Villas, also at Weston. His father was a baker working at Weston Mill – where a work colleague was Thomas Williams, the father of Private 4234 Rueben Williams.  Rueben and George both attended school at Morda. After school George went to work for Messrs Birch & Jones; cabinet makers, house furnishers and decorators with a shop on Bailey Street, Oswestry.

George enlisted at Shrewsbury, probably as a conscript and when he turned 18, in 1917. After training he was posted to the 1/8 Bn Lancashire Regiment and most likely went over to France late in 1917 or early 1918. He was KIA on 23 October 1918 near to Briastre and Solesmes during the Battle of the Selle. After being in action at Briastre, the battalion had withdrawn back to Viesly. George, and five of his comrades also killed at the action, are buried alongside each other in Quievy Communal Cemetery Extension. He is also commemorated at St Oswald’s Church, Oswestry.

 On 1 December 1918 a memorial service was held at St Anne’s Church, Morda, also being commemorated was school and family friend – Ruben Williams – KIA on 2 September 1918. A large number of friends and relatives were present. Rev. M B Lutener, officiated. Hymns sung were ‘Jerusalem The Golden’, ‘Oft In Danger’ and ‘O Jesus I have promised’. Miss Amy Jones presided at the organ and played the Death March during the service.

George Kirk, grave at Quievy Communal Cemetery.

George Kirk.

Commemorative Medal, George Kirk.

Acknowledgements. All photos and additional information Paul Roberts – Paul’s grandmother, Hilda Roberts, was a younger sister to George Kirk.

References and Sources

END