MM Citation 9th Cameronians

[Grant Thomson]

Hello,

 

Just  joined the forum. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I am researching the military service of my fathers Great uncle, James Kirk 25776 And was wondering if it was possible to get more information on his MM award. I have read that MM citations are very difficult to find but any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[ajsmith]

You're best bet would be the battalion war diaries which sometimes mention MM winners by name, from which you might be able to work out for what action he was awarded his medal or you could try local newspapers they sometimes carry references to local men receiving gallantry medals. Where was he from by the way?

[Grant Thomson]

Perfect thanks for your help.  Have found a mention of his name in the War diary but no details about why he won it. Will check out the local papers. He was from Banknock/Falkirk area. He was given a pocket watch by the local community in recognition of having won the MM so a local paper may have more about the story. 

[david murdoch]

Here you go. From the Kilsyth Chronicle 22/3/1918. I saw his MM was dated 14/1/1918. I looked in the Chronicle as I've researched a few of the MM and DCM winners from Kilsyth. They also were presented gold watches (MM) and watch and chain (DCM) usually presented on their next leave home. The paper quite often notes Banknock soldiers as being local so checking there picked this up.

[Grant Thomson]

4 minutes ago, david murdoch said:

This is terrific. Thank you so much! 
 

 

Here you go. From the Kilsyth Chronicle 22/3/1918. I saw his MM was dated 14/1/1918. I looked in the Chronicle as I've researched a few of the MM and DCM winners from Kilsyth. They also were presented gold watches (MM) and watch and chain (DCM) usually presented on their next leave home. The paper quite often notes Banknock soldiers as being local so checking there picked this up.

 

[david murdoch]

He also gets a mention by name rank and number in the Kirkintilloch Gazette 18th January 1918. Noting he had been awarded MM in the official awards list that week. He seems to have promoted from Private to Sergeant over the course of 1918 as his medal card and roll give his rank as Sergeant.

[Tom Lang]

Here is a snippet of my transcription of the 9th Bn WD where it mentions Pte 25776 J. Kirk.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

[david murdoch]

2 hours ago, Tom Lang said:

Here is a snippet of my transcription of the 9th Bn WD where it mentions Pte 25776 J. Kirk.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

Nice. That tallies with the the other information. The recommendations would have been put in sometime before and then a further couple of months before showing up in the awards lists/London Gazette. So in his case (going by the newspaper article) his recommendation  for the MM would likely be for several actions of bravery probably over the summer/autumn of 1917. Be worth checking out those other lads on the list, as maybe pick up a service record for one of them. This should tally date of award, and also maybe show up home leave granted. This often came with being awarded MM or DCM and as mentioned the watches were often presented the next time the soldier was home. Seeing at a quick look that Pte 43244 William Cassels was actually killed in action 12th October 1917.

[Grant Thomson]

7 hours ago, david murdoch said:

thank you very much. Appreciate your help!
 

He also gets a mention by name rank and number in the Kirkintilloch Gazette 18th January 1918. Noting he had been awarded MM in the official awards list that week. He seems to have promoted from Private to Sergeant over the course of 1918 as his medal card and roll give his rank as Sergeant.

 

[Grant Thomson]

3 hours ago, Tom Lang said:

thanks Tom. I have a copy

of the original war diary but a transcription would

be very helpful. Would the Cameronians museum perhaps have a copy?
 

Here is a snippet of my transcription of the 9th Bn WD where it mentions Pte 25776 J. Kirk.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

 

[Tom Lang]

2 hours ago, Grant Thomson said:

 

Hello Grant,

Yes - the Museum has a copy of my full transcription of the complete WD (and probably from others).

You can contact Barrie Duncan.

He is a volunteer at the Museum, and he is a member of GWF and an avid guru on all things Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). You can search for him in the 'Members List' tab above ("barrieduncan") and send him a Message.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

Edited 5 September , 2020 by Tom Lang
add text

[Grant Thomson]

7 hours ago, Tom Lang said:

Thanks very much. Will contact Barrie 
 

Hello Grant,

Yes - the Museum has a copy of my full transcription of the complete WD (and probably from others).

You can contact Barrie Duncan.

He is a volunteer at the Museum, and he is a member of GWF and an avid guru on all things Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). You can search for him in the 'Members List' tab above ("barrieduncan") and send him a Message.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

 

[Tom Lang]

9 hours ago, Grant Thomson said:

 

If you'd like, I could send a pdf copy of that particular month.

Send me a PM with your email address.

Tom.