Thomas Kirk was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Kirk. He was born about 1925. By 1944, Private Thomas Kirk was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment). The 2nd Battalion arrived in France during the Normandy invasion in June 1944. The battalion sustained many casualties around the village of Cheux. Private Thomas Kirk died in France on 26th June 1944, presumably during that battle.
Further Information
Thomas Kirk was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Kirk.
Thomas Kirk was born about 1925.
In the spring and summer of 1939, the Territorial Army was ordered to be doubled in size, in order to meet the threat of Nazi Germany. As a result, the 1st Battalion raised a duplicate unit, the 2nd Battalion which was assigned to the 46th (Highland) Infantry Brigade.
By 1944, Private Thomas Kirk was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Glasgow Highlanders,
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment).
The 2nd Battalion remained in the United Kingdom until it was sent overseas, to France, in June 1944. The battalion fought in the Battle of Normandy in Operation Epsom and the Second Battle of the Odon. During Operation Epsom. The 2nd Battalion, The Glasgow Highlanders lost 12 officers and sustained nearly 200 casualties, mainly around the hotly contested village of Cheux. Total strength of this battalion was approximately 35 officers and 786 other ranks; thus one day's losses amounted to 34% of their officers and nearly 25% of the entire rifle battalion.
Private Thomas Kirk died in France on 26th June 1944, presumably during the battle for the village of Cheux. He was 19 years old.
Private Thomas Kirk is buried at St. Manvieu War Cemetery in Cheux. His inscription reads: WHEN SLEEP FORSAKES OUR EYES OUR THOUGHTS ARE HERE WHERE OUR DEAR BROTHER LIES
Private Thomas Kirk is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial and on on the WW2 stained glass window in St Anne’s Church of Ireland, Dungannon.
The CWGC record Private Thomas Kirk as the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Kirk of Dungannon, County Tyrone.
