24374 L/corporal James Kirk, (1/7/1895-14/4/1917). "a noble spirit and finely balanced brain""

KILLED IN ACTION.

Flags were flying in Mosgiel yesterday as a token of respect to the memory of Sergeant James Kirk, who fell in battle on April 14. The deceased, who was a member of the 17th Reinforcements, was the youngest son of Mrs Wm. Kirk, Mayfield Mosgiel. He was 20 years of ago at the time of his death.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/6/1917.

James Kirk died during the Battle of Messines and it is likely that his death was the result of the following incident, described in the Official History of the Otago Regiment: "On the morning of the 14th an unlucky enemy shell struck a pile of trench mortar bombs at Ration Dump, alongside La Plus Douve Farm. A terrific explosion followed, and of a working party from the 2nd Battalion four men were killed and one wounded." 

LATE SERGEANT KIRK.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

On Sunday morning, in the East Taieri Church, a special service was held in memory of Sergeant James Kirk, who was a member of the congregation, and who fell in action in France on April 14. The pulpit and choir seats were draped with flags and decorated with white flowers. The Rev. A. W. Kinmont preached from the East Taieri Bible class motto: "Walk worthy of the Lord." At the close of the sermon he spoke of Sergeant Kirk, the brightest, merriest, most active of boys, but always straight and true. It was at Temuka, at the Bible Class Summer School, that he resolved to devote his life to the service of Christ as a medical missionary. He won the dux medal in the Mosgiel School, and when it was presented to him Colonel Moir (the rector) paid a high tribute to his influence and popularity in the school. At Knox and the University he was a leading spirit among the young men in the Christian Union and in all sports. In Bible class circles, in the District Union, and at summer and Easter conferences he was a well-known figure. Strong on the spiritual side and strong in sport, at Palmerston North he won the sports banner single-handed against the whole of New Zealand. He volunteered for active service as soon as his age permitted, and rose to be sergeant-major, but declined to sit for a commission because he thought it unfair to the men at the front. In camp he was a universal favourite with all ranks, and was the chaplain's right hand man. He was a good, all-round man, with a noble spirit and finely balanced brain. He might easily have achieved success in several directions. His great ambition was to serve Jesus Christ in the hardest places, and his aim was to be a medical missionary in China. He leaves a great blank behind him in his home, in the church, at the University, and in his wide circle of friends.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/6/1917.