A Great War ‘Salonika operations’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant Arthur Mitchell Kirk, Rifle Brigade

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed, in case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); together with a silver identity bracelet, inscribed, ‘A. M. Kirk, C.E., The Rifle Brigade’, medals extremely fine (4) £1100-1300

M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919. ‘T./2nd Lt. Arthur Mitchell Kirk, 4th Bn. Rif. Brig. Salonika’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. He was in command of the left carrying party, which made four separate journeys to the captured position through the enemy’s barrage. In the first journey he was knocked over by a shell burst, but continued to lead each successive party, and displayed marked courage and coolness. The carrying operations lasted for seven hours.’

Arthur Mitchell Kirk was born in Macclesfield on 20 March 1891 and was educated at King Edward VI Modern Grammar School, Macclesfield. A Bank Clerk by occupation, he attested for the 7th Battalion Cheshire Regiment at Chester on 15 February 1916. In December 1916 he was posted to the Officers’ Cadet Battalion, Lichfield, Commissioned into the Rifle Brigade in March 1917, he entered the Salonika theatre of war on 22 July 1917. For his services in Salonika he was awarded the Military Cross in September 1918. Promoted to Lieutenant in January 1919, he later served in South Russia and was treated for Malaria in Tiflis and Batoum, Georgia. Lieutenant Kirk was invalided to the U.K. from Batoum in April 1919. He was released from service on 18 June 1919, relinquishing his temporary commission whilst retaining the rank of Lieutenant.

With original London Gazette Supplement for 10 January 1919; a large photograph of the recipient in uniform, in a wooden frame, 420 x 345mm.; a large group photograph of “B” Company, No. 8 Officer Cadet Battalion, March 1917, in wooden frame, 560 x 345mm.; a letter of congratulations from the London County Westminster & Parrs Bank Ltd, dated 11 October 1918; a War Office letter to accompany the M.C., dated 1 February 1921; together with copied m.i.c., service papers and war diary extracts.