Private James Kinnaird (who was wounded in France on September 27) received his education in the public school at Rothesay, Scotland, and the public school at Cathays, Cardiff. He came out to New Zealand in 1906 in company with his parents and other members of the family. He served his time as a patternmaker with Mr Joseph Sparrow, and as a journeyman worked W Messrs Stevenson and Cook at Port Chalmers. He was working at Lake Hawea for Mr Lee when he received word from his chums that they had enlisted. He immediately wired back "Coming in the morning," and two days later signed on for the 6th Reinforcements, at Clyde. He saw active service on Gallipoli, in Egypt, and in France, and enjoyed perfect health, till he was wounded. Of his companions, one was killed and the other wounded. His brother, Mr Robert Kinnaird, of Earnscleugh, has not yet received any communication as to the nature of his wounds. -Evening Star, 27/10/1916.
The next of kin of Private James Kinnaird, reported killed in action on September 27, was his brother, Mr Robert Kinnaird, of Earnscleugh Flat. -Evening Star, 19/12/1916.
The 1st Battalion's attack against the Gird system of page 133trenches and along Goose Alley on September 27th unquestionably represented the Regiment's most bitter and costly experience on the Somme. When the Battalion marched out of the line on the night of the 28th it was reduced to a strength of 113, which was considerably below that of a company. The fire encountered by the leading companies almost immediately after crossing the line of the Factory Corner-Eaucourt L'Abbaye Road was of a nature such as only those who had gallantly, though vainly, endeavoured to struggle through it could realise; and the line which the attack reached was only gained because of the extraordinary spirit of self-sacrifice of officers and men in face of overwhelming odds; Gird Trench, and Gird Support in particular having been densely packed with an enemy liberally supplied with machine guns. The problem presented by having to handle such a number of wounded called for the greatest exertions of the stretcher parties, who worked unceasingly throughout the night under almost insuperable difficulties of mud and distance. Many of the wounded succeeded in staggering back unaided, but there were others who were so sorely wounded as to be beyond the aid of the bearers when their turn came. -Official History of the Otago Regiment.
At the Court of Enquiry to determine James' fate a Sergeant of the 8th Company stated the following, as recorded in his Army record: "At about 2.15 pm...Kinnaird was in his platoon when he advanced to attack Gird Trench. The enemy fire was heavy when Pte Kinnaird fell. I was standing close to him at the time. By the way he fell I consider he was severely wounded, if not killed outright. I have not seen or heard of him since.
James Kinnaird has no known grave.
IN MEMORIAM
KINNAIRD. — In loving memory of my dear son Private James Kinnaird (6th Reinforcements), killed in action at the Somme on the 27th September, 1916; also my grandson, Private James Jeffery (6th Reinforcements), killed in action on the 7th July, 1916.
They gave their lives, it was their all. That Freedom's cause might live;
No greater love, no greater gift, Hath any man to give.
— Inserted by their loving mother and grandmother, E. Kinnaird.
KINNAIRD. — In ever loving memory of Jim, dearly loved brother of Mrs and Sergeant-major Gearing, killed in action in France on 27th September, 1916.
O valiant heart, who to your glory came, Through dust of conflict and thro' battle flame!
Tranquil you lie, your knightly courage proved; Your memory ever hallowed in the hearts you loved.
KINNAIRD. — In loving memory of Jim Kinnaird, killed in action in France. September 27th, 1916.
There is a link death cannot sever; Love and remembrance last for ever.
— Inserted by his loving sister, brother-in-law, and family. -Evening Star, 27/10/1917.
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