1,245 sunflowers

JOHN CHARLES KAPKE

John was born in 1891 at South Shields to John Charles and Frances Jane Kapke and on the Census 10 years later he is living at 69 Worcester Street, Middlesbrough with his parents, sisters Mary and Meggie and maternal grandfather Ralph Hudson. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Bridge Yard Plater and resident at 50 Beaconsfield Street, Norton-on-Tees with his parents, siblings Mary, Meggie, Ralph, Violet and Gladys together with maternal grandfather. He enlisted at Stockton into the 1/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service number 2614. John was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 26 September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

EDWARD JOSEPH KAY

Edward was born in 1876 at Nottingham to Edward and Sarah Jane Kay. He lived first in Nottingham before moving to Edinburgh where he worked as an Architect's Draughtsman. By the time of the 1911 Census he is living as a boarder in Norton, at 1 Holly In and working as an Architect & Surveyor. The following year, at Stockton, Edward married Victoria Mary Thompson. He enlisted, also at Stockton into the 3rd.Battalion Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) service number, S/29515 and died, as a Lance Corporal, on 17 March 1917. Edward is buried in Ste.Marie Cemetery, Le Havre Seine-Maritime France and he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. At the time of his death his wife was resident at the White Swan Inn, Norton.

ROBERT ROLAND KAY

Robert was born in 1898 at Stockton to Robert and Bridget Kay. On the 1901 Census he is resident at the "Spread Eagle" Dovecote Street with his parents. On the 1911 Census he is resident as a Student at a Catholic School in Lanchester, Durham.

Robert enlisted into the 1/5th.Battalion (then attached the 20th.Battalion) Durham Light Infantry, service number 23370. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on the 31 July 1917 and Killed in Action on the 23 March 1918, aged 19, during the German "Michael" offensive, and just 10 days before he was due to come home on leave. 

His final letter to his father, written five days before he died detailed all the things he planned to do when he returned home. Robert's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais France and posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

A sunflower to remember Robert Roland is being grown by Anne Tate. Anne's grandmother was Robert Roland's cousin.

JOHN J KEEGAN

John was born at Middlesbrough and enlisted at Stockton as a Gunner in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery, service number 21929. He died at home in the Military Detention Hospital, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough and is buried in North Ormesby (St.Joseph's) Roman Catholic Cemetery. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

GEORGE ROBINSON KELD

George was born in 1890 at Stockton to William and Annie Keld and on the following year's Census is living at 19 Round Gate with his parents. In 1911, at Guisborough, George married Jenny Dent Dimbleby and it that year's Census is listed as being employed as an "Agent" and living with Jenny, as Boarders, at 15 Allinson Street, Guisborough. George enlisted at Bishop Auckland into the 7th.Battalion Border Regiment, service number 6599 and died of wounds, as a Corporal, on 15 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery,Pas de Calais France, he was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

THOMAS KENT

Thomas was born in 1889 at Lancaster to George Marcon and Mary Kent and he grew up in the town with his parents and brothers John and Alfred. He enlisted at Stockton into the 1/5th Durham Light Infantry, service numbers 1951 and 200136, and died of wounds,as a Private, on 1 November 1917. Thomas is buried in St.Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime France and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

SAMUEL KETT

Samuel Kett was born in Earsham, Norfolk in 1882 to Nathan and Maria Kett. He grew up in Norfolk but by the time of the 1901 Census he is employed as a Shipyard Labourer and living at 31 Lumley Street, Stockton with his parents and two of his six siblings. In 1906 Samuel married Elizabeth Jane Griffiths at Stockton and on the 1911 Census they are listed as resident at 28 Crofton Street, Portrack, Stockton with a son Edward. Samuel enlisted into the Royal Naval Reserve as a Stoker, service number 3720S, and was serving on HMS "Defence" when it is sunk with no survivors at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

ARNOLD THOMAS VINCENT JOHNATHAN KIDD

Arnold was born in 1897 at Stockton to George and Annie Kidd, living at Grangefield Farm with his parents and siblings Mary, Jane, Georgina and Harold. He enlisted at Stockton into the 9th.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 24375, and was Killed in Action, as a Sergeant, on 20 September 1917 during the Battle of Menin Road, 3rd.Ypres. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Belgium and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

GEORGE C and JOHN WILLIAM KIDD

George was born in 1894 and John in 1895 at Norton-on-Tees to Thomas Cowan and Sarah Jane Kidd. On the 1901 Census they are resident at Hornleys Farm, Norton, with their parents and sister Jane Elizabeth. On the 1911 Census John is employed as a Grocer's Assistant and resident at Hornleys Farm with his parents and sisters Jane, Florence, Mary and Doris ( George absent ).
George enlisted at Stockton into the 2nd.Battalion Grenadier Guards,service number 18554. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 31 July 1917 at the Battle of Pilkem, 3rd.Ypres and is buried in Artillery Wood Cemetery Belgium. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

John enlisted at Stockton on 29 September 1915 into the 21st.Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, service number C/12045. He was Killed in Action, as a Lance Corporal, during the Battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

JAMES EDWARD KILPATRICK

James was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 311092. He died on 30 November 1918 and is buried in Le Cateau Communal Cemetery,Nord France and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

CHARLIE KING

Charlie was born in 1896 at Stockton to John and Margaret Jane King. On the 1901 Census he is resident at 4 Millbank Street, Stockton with his parents, sister Lilian and brothers Walter, Herbert and John. On the 1911 Census he is employed as an Errand Boy and living at 16 Primrose Street, Darlington with his parents and Herbert and John. Charlie enlisted at Darlington into the 1/5th.Battalion Durham Light Infantry service number 1977. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 15 September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Somme France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

ERNEST KING

Ernest was enlisted in the 1st.Battalion Royal Scots Fusilliers, service number 43412. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 3 October 1918 during 5th Ypres (the Advance into Flanders) Ernest is buried in Rumilly-En-Cambresis Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord France and he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

FRED KING

Fred was born in 1893 at Grangetown, Middlesbrough to William and Mary King. On the 1901 Census he is resident at 21 Porchin Road, Grangetown with his parents and siblings Mary, Alfred, Margaret, George, Kezia and Jessie. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Teacher in Training and resident at 7 Bolckow Road, Grangetown with his parents and siblings Frank, George, Kezia and Jessie. Fred enlisted in 1914 at Middlesbrough into the 2nd.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 3/7854. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 15 June 1915 during the 2nd.Battle of Artois. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais France. He was posthumously awarded the 1914 Star and Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

HUMPHREY STUART KING MC

Humphrey was born in 1892 at Crook, Co. Durham to Rev John King M.A. and Louise M. King. On the 1901 Census he is resident at The Rectory, Crook, Crook and Billy Row, Auckland, Co.Durham with his parents and siblings Monica, Frederick, Maude, Reginald, Isobel and Millicent, together with Domestic Servant Ada G. Henning. 

On the 1911 Census he is resident as a Student at Grammar School Darlington. Humphrey was a B.A. graduate of Durham University, June 1914 (Divinity Student) before enlisting into the 2nd.Battalion Northumberland Fusilliers and was promoted to Temporary 2nd.Lieutenant in May 1915. He was awarded the Military Cross in June 1917 and promoted to Captain. In 1918 at Tynemouth, Northumberland Humphrey married Josephine Wheatley and later that year was Killed in Action on 3 October. He is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne France and posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

JOHN KING

John was born in 1879 at Stockton to John and Maria King and on the 1881 Census was living at Windmill Terrace with his parents and sisters Elizabeth, Mary and Annie. On the 1891 Census he is resident at 17 Waverley Street with his mother (father died in 1888 at Stockton) siblings Elizabeth, Fanny, Hannah, William and George. On the 1901 Census he is employed as an Ironworks Labourer and still at the same address with his mother and brother William. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Labourer at a Rolling Mill and resident at 20 Waverley Street as a Boarder. John enlisted at Stockton into the 2nd.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 3/8399 and was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 15 June 1915 during the 2nd.Battle of Artois. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais France. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

JOSEPH KING 

Joseph was born in Byker, Newcastle and enlisted at Wallsend into the 12th.Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service number 14895. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 17 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme France. Joseph was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

LOWNSBOROUGH KING 

Lownsborough was born in 1900 at Glaisdale, Yorkshire to William and Mary Hannah King and on the Following year’s Census is living at 1 Station Road, Lealholm Bridge, Glaisdale with his parents and siblings Harry, Wharton, Robert, David and Eliza. On the 1911 Census he is resident at 3 Railway Cottage, Lealholm with his parents and siblings Harry, Eliza, Elizabeth and Mary. Lownsborough enlisted at Middlesbrough into the 1st/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusilliers, service number 66675. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 11 April 1918 during the German "Georgette" offensive. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial Belgium and posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. At the time of his death his mother was living at 21 Cranbourne Terrace.

WILLIAM ALFRED KIPLING 

William was born in 1876 at Snape, Yorkshire to Tobias and Sarah Kipling. On the 1881 Census he is resident at 36 Ridsdale Street, Darlington with his parents and siblings Matthew, Mary, John, Thomas, Charles, Frederick and Walter. On the 1891 Census he is resident at 1 Lambton Street, Darlington with his parents and siblings Matthew, Mary, John, Thomas, Charles, Frederick and Walter. On the 1901 Census he is employed as an Assistant Photographer and resident at Crescent Road, Middlesbrough as a Boarder with his brother Charles. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Photographer and resident at 27 Falmer Road, Darlington as a Boarder with his sister-in-law Jessie. In 1915 William's father died. William enlisted at Stockton into the 11th.Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service number 22193. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 30 November 1917 and is buried in Gouzeacourt New British Cemetery, Nord, France. William was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

THOMAS GORDON and HORACE DODSWORTH KIRBY 

Thomas was born in 1891 at West Hartlepool and Horace in 1897 at Norton-on-Tees to Thomas and Rose Kirby. On the 1901 Census they are resident at 1 Lower Cambridge Terrace, Norton with their parents and siblings Lucy and William. On the 1911 Census Thomas is employed as a Grocer and resident at Cambridge House, Nortonas a Boarder. Horace is resident at 2 Hanson Street, Redcar with his parents and brother William. Thomas enlisted at Redcar into the 4th.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 3246. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 17 September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. Thomas’ body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Horace enlisted at Darlington into the 9th.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 60367. He died of wounds, as a Private, on 13 October 1918 and is buried in St.Sever Cemetery Extention, Rouen Seine-Maritime France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. At the time of the brothers’ deaths their parents were resident at 13 Lightfoot Grove, Stockton.

MARK KIRBY 

Mark was born in 1886 at Norton-on-Tees to William and Eleanor Kirby. On the 1901 Census he is resident at 4 North Mount Pleasant Street, Norton with his parents and siblings Henry, John, Robert, Eleanor, Arthur and Mary. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Plasterer and resident at his uncle’s Robert Baker of 2 William Terrace, Norton-on-Tees with his mother (father died in 1906 at Stockton) and siblings Robert, Eleanor, Arthur and Mary. Mark enlisted at Stockton into the 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own) service number 26689. He died of pneumonia, as a Private, on 4 September 1917 and is buried in St.Pol Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

FREDERICK ARTHUR C KIRK 

Frederick was born on 31 October 1896 at Saint Catherine, Edge-Hill, Lancashire to William and Emma Kirk. On the 1901 Census he was resident at 30 Holt Street, West Derby, Lancashire with his parents and brothers James and John. On the 1911 Census he is employed as a Pawnbroker Assistant and resident at 10 Northcote Street, Stockton with his parents. Frederick enlisted at Stockton into the 1/5th.Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service number 4153. He was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 15 September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

JOSEPH HENRY KIRK

Joseph was born December 15th 1891. His parents were John Henry and Mary Jane. They lived at Thorpe Street, Norton, with Joseph's older sister, one year old Margaret. Just over two weeks after his birth, Mary Jane dies on 1st January 1892, aged 24 years. She is buried in Oxbridge Cemetery and five days later, 6th January, Joseph is Christened at the same church where his mother's funeral was held.

Joseph's father John, who was a boiler maker, remarried later the same year, in Sunderland to a 21 year old servant called Sabina Vasey.

The family, which included a younger brother and two younger sisters from this second marriage, lived at 26 Balsover Street, Norton, before moving to 1 Windmill Lane, Stockton, in what is now the Dovecot Street area and which had a windmill at the bottom of the lane. 

Jospeh found work as an apprentice engineer and in 1914 married a Thornaby girl, Edith M Perks.

Shortly afterwards Joseph became Private 1252 Kirk, enlisting in The Durham Light Infantry, in the Territorial Force 5th Battalion.

On August 10th 1914, the battalion moved from Stockton up to Hartlepool and by October that year, via Ravensworth Park, the battalion were billeted in Newcastle. This was a period of increasingly intense preparation and training.

On 18 April 1915 the battalion landed at Boulogne. The German army had just attacked at nearby Ypres and the DLI was rushed into battle. The Division took part in the following engagements known as the second battle of Ypres: The Battle of St Julien (24th April - 5th May), The Battle of Frezenburg Ridge (8th May - 13th May) and on 14th May 1915 the 5th Battalion joined 150th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

On 21st May Joseph was killed in action,  aged 24 years. His records show he was in the Western European Theatre and he was a Non Commissioned Officer at his time of death, meaning he had advanced from within and been promoted through the ranks.

He is now remembered by his name being etched in stone along with thousands of others who gave their lives. At Ypres at the Menin Gate on panel 36 to 38.

To some, 1252 Pte J H Kirk may have been mere working class cannon fodder … but to me he was, alongside many others, a hero. To my immense satisfaction and pride his name is recorded at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium and his name and contribution are remembered with sorrow and honour. “… At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them ..."

Joseph is being rememberedby Susan Stanley.