Charles Bernard Kirk

Charles Bernard Kirk was born in 1884 at Nottingham and was the son of the late William Charles Kirk a lace curtain pattern reader and Rosanna Kirk née Woodward. His father William Kirk was born in 1862 in Nottingham, he died in 1896 at Nottingham aged 35 yrs and his mother Rosanna Woodward was born in 1861 at Nottingham, they were married in 1883 their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration District, they had a further child a daughter Gertrude b1885 at Nottingham Following his fathers death his mother remarried in 1902 to James John Margerrison they went to live at 7 Myrtle Ave, Berridge Road, Hyson Green, Nottingham. In the 1911 census his family are living at 7 Myrtle Ave, Hyson Green and are shown as James John Margerrison 55 yrs a tool maker, he is living with his wife Rose Margerrison 50 yrs and her two children , Charles Bernard Kirk 27 yrs a plumber and Gertrude Kirk 26 yrs a blouse examiner. Charles married Annie Elizabeth Twells in 1911 at Nottingham, and they lived at 7 Myrtle Avenue Sherwood Rise Nottingham.

He was a plumber.

Private Charles Bernard Kirk, served with the 3rd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, he was killed in an accidental shooting at Palace Barracks, Holywood, Belfast, on 29th April 1919. He is buried in Nottingham (New Basford) Cemetery.

Article published in the Belfast Newsletter dated 30th April 1919 :- “HOLYWOOD BARRACKS TRAGEDY. “Soldier Accidentally Killed. “A tragic accident occurred yesterday [29th April 1919] morning at the Palace Barracks, Holywood, in which Private Charles B. Kirk, of the Somerset Light Infantry, was killed. The deceased was on the point of leaving for home, having received a telegram telling him that his wife was seriously ill. He was on the rota for guard duty yesterday morning, and on receipt of the telegram consulted the sergeant of the guard with a view to obtaining leave. The latter was engaged in filling up the necessary papers, and had left his rifle (which was loaded) near the door while doing so. “A bugler boy named Sydenham came into the room, picked up the rifle not knowing it was loaded, and pulled the trigger. Immediately Private Kirk fell, the bullet having passed through his back. Medical assistance was summoned, but the unfortunate man was past all human skill. The military authorities are holding an inquiry into the circumstances of the tragedy.” obituary published in the Nottingham Evening Post dated 3rd May 1919 :- “KIRK. – Accidentally killed at Holywood Barracks, Belfast, after serving nearly three years overseas, Charles Bernard, the devoted husband of Annie Elizabeth Kirk, 16 Sturton Street, and only son of Mrs. Margerson, 7 Myrtle Avenue. Military funeral, Basford Cemetery, 2.30, Wednesday, 7th inst.” (May 1919) Above items are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.