Marmaduke Cecil Kirby

Soldiers record:- Marmaduke Cecil Kirby was attested on 9 Jan 1918 and put on the Reserve the following day. He was 18 years old. At the time he was living with his parents at 2 Wyodham Terrace, Llanishen, Cardiff. He initially joined the Loyal North Lancs Regiment, number 40762. He was mobilised a few weeks later on the 25 February 1918 and soon went to France where he was transferred to the Yorks and Lancs Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 15 platoon, D Coy, on the 8 August 1918. His body was found on the battlefield and buried in a cemetery where he fell. Pte Cecil M Kirby Worksop Guardian 11 October 1918 Many Worksop friends will hear with regret of the death in action in France, about Sept 8th, of Pte Cecil Kirby, Yorks and Lancs Regiment. The deceased soldier, who was in his 19th year was the only child of Mr and Mrs Kirby, Llanishen, near Cardiff, formerly of Worksop, and grandson of Mrs Horne, Potter Street. His father was for a number of years, was employed by the late Mrs Alderson and later by Mr D F Alderson, Park Street, removing to Llanishen about six years ago. Pte Kirby was for several years a chorister at the Priory Church and also as server. He manifested considerable musical ability, and at the time of joining up, was organist at Llanishen Parish Church. In civil life, he was a clerk in the docks in Cardiff. His bright and genial nature, had won him a wide circle of friends, and touching tributes to his memory from leading citizens in Cardiff, where he was well known, particularly in musical circles, and from many of his old friends in Worksop, his native home. Writing to his parents under date Sept 27th, the Rev. E V Robinson, C F says:- “By the time you receive this letter you will probably heard the sad news. Your son, Pte C M Kirby, Yorks and Lancs Regiment, was killed in action about a week ago. I found his body yesterday on the battlefield and buried him in a little cemetery near to where he fell. I need not say how deeply I sympathise with you in your grief. During these days the words ring in our ears, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ Please God our country will show herself worthy of the heroic sacrifices of these noble lads. I pray that our dear Lord will give you strength to bear your loss bravely, and faith to look forward to a happy reunion in that Home which is above

CWG additional information:- Son of Marmaduke Constable Kirby, of 2, Wyndham Terrace Llanishen, Cardiff. Buried in Chapelle British cemetery Honlon, France. Research by Colin Dannatt