Name
Harold John Kirkman
2 October 1894
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/05/1915
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
2144
London Regiment
1st/24th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LE TOURET MEMORIAL
Panels 46 & 47.
France
Headstone Inscription
N/A
UK & Other Memorials
Berkhamsted Town Memorial, Sunnyside Memorial, Berkhamsted
Pre War
Harold John Kirkman was born on 2 October 1894 in Lambeth, Surrey, the son of Gilbert and Ellen Kirkman and was one of six children. He was baptised at St Philip's Church, Lambeth on 5 October 1894. His father's occupation was given as law writer, but their 'abode' was listed as Lambeth Workhouse.
On the 1901 Census, the family were living at No. 198, Block H, Guinness Trust Buildings, Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, where his father was working as a glazier (paint). They had moved to 44 Elizabeth Street, Walworth, Surrey by 1911 at which time 16 year old Harold was working as a porter in the silversmith trade.
His parents later lived at 44 Ellesmere Road, Berkhamsted and 11 Lycett House, Clapham Park Estate, London SW2.
Wartime Service
Harold enlisted in Kennington and joined the 24th (County of London) Battalion, The Queen's Regiment. He served in France from 16 March 1915.
He was killed in action on 26 May 1915. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France.
Additional Information
His brother Henry Boyd Kirkman served with the 18th Battalion, County of London Regiment as a Sergeant and was killed in action on 1 May 1918.
His parents received a pension of six shillings a week in respect of Harold and his brother Henry which was later increased to 9s 6d a week. His mother received a war gratuity of £3 and pay owing of £2 6s 3d.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
Jonty Wild
