James's Story.
Sergeant James Kirkham of the Machine Gun Corps was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) for meritorious and conspicuous service at the front. At the time of the award, he lived with his widowed mother at 22 Crouch Street, Barnton. He had been wounded in the right arm by shrapnel on 17 May and was recovering in hospital at Sunderland.
James had enlisted in the Manchester Regiment in December 1914 and went to France in November 1915. His service had already been recognised when he was mentioned in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's despatch of 7 November 1917. Educated at Brunner Schools, he was employed by Messrs. Brunner, Mond & Co. when war was declared.
His award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was announced in the London Gazette of 21 October 1918. The citation read:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the last eighteen months. This N.C.O. has never missed taking his turn of duty in the trenches for a single day, and on many occasions shown sound judgment and initiative."
A keen footballer, James regularly played for the Barnton United Methodist team and, whilst serving, frequently represented his regiment. He captained the side when it won the regimental cup at Heaton Park. He was also the brother of Tom Kirkman, the popular full-back of Barnton Villa. Beyond football, Sergeant Kirkman was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Workmen's Institute, and the Barnton Cricket Club.