Frank Howard Kirby

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Photo submitted by Gerald Napier - (from the Royal Engineers Library with permission)

Wing Commander Frank Howard Kirby VC CBE DCM (12 November 1871 - 8 July 1956) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

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[edit] Details

He was 28 years old, and a corporal in the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 2 June 1900 near Delagoa Bay Railway, South Africa, during the retirement of a small party being hotly pressed by superior numbers of the enemy, Corporal Kirby turned and rode back to help a man whose horse had been shot. Although by the time he reached the man they were under heavy fire at close range, Corporal Kirby managed to get the man up behind him and took him clear of the firing. This was the third occasion on which Corporal Kirby had shown gallantry in the face of the enemy.

[edit] Further information

Kirby subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and he was commissioned as an Equipment Officer. He went on to achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Kirby remained in the Royal Air Force after the end of the First World War and he eventually retired as a Wing Commander.