Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Stoker J. Kirkham, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (K.6071, J. Kirhkam, Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.6071 J. Kirkham. Sto. 1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (K.6071 J. Kirkham. L. Sto. H.M.S. Diligence.) contact marks and edge bruising, therefore good fine, the last better (4) £100-£140

John Kirkham was born on 23 October 1891, at Finsbury, London. He commenced naval service as a Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Victory II, on 27 April 1910, and was advanced to Stoker First Class, H.M.S. Neptune, on 1 September 1911. During the Great War he served in H.M.S. Blenheim (Ribble), H.M.S. Pembroke III, H.M.S. Vivid II, and H.M.S. Blake (Viscount). He continued in naval service following the Great War, and served in several ships. He was advanced to Acting Leading Stoker, H.M.S. Hood, on 25 July 1923, and to Leading Stoker, H.M.S. Vivid II, on 25 July 1924, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1925. He was further advanced to Acting Stoker Petty Officer, H.M.S. Osprey, on 14 July 1926, and confirmed as Stoker Petty Officer, H.M.S. Lowestoft, on 14 September 1927. He was seconded to the South African Government for three years from 20 January 1928, and was posted to H.M.S.A.S. Afrikander (Protea) on 20 January 1928. He was advanced to Chief Stoker, when in South African service, on 26 January 1932, and was shore pensioned on 26 April 1932. His service record is annotated that he joined the R.M. Police, in Plymouth, on 27 August 1940.