21747 Private Hugh Kirkbride
7th Battalion Border Regiment
30th December 1915
Born in Wetheral, Cumberland in 1876. His parents were Joseph Kirkbride (1837-1900) and Margaret McHenry (1842-1921).
They were married on 31/01/1864.
Hugh had 4 brothers, Joseph (born on 22/02/1865), William (1872-1947), John (born in 1878-1957)
and Thomas (born in 1880).
He also had 3 sisters, Sarah (05/11/1867-1955), Margaret (born in 1869) and Alice (1878)-23/10/1881).
In the 1881 census, the family were recorded as living at 14 Bank Lane, Maryport, Cumberland. Joseph snr. was employed
as a labourer in an iron foundry.
The 1891 census showed the family, still living on Bank Lane, but now 10 Bank Lane, nelson Street, Maryport. Joseph snr.
was working as a general labourer and now Hugh was now employed as a blacksmith apprentice.
In the 1901 census the family were now to be shown living at another house on Bank Lane, this time No.12. Hugh was now working as a labourer.
The next census in 1911, recorded that once again the family were still living on Bank lane, but this time at No.8.
Hugh had now got a job as a masons labourer with the district council.
Hugh enlisted into the Border regiment in Maryport on 27/05/1915. His medical, performed on the same day is as follows;
Apparent age - 39 years 305 days
Trade or Occupation - Labourer
Height - 5ft 7 3/4 inches. Weight - 152lbs
Chest Measurement - Girth when fully expanded - 38 inches
Range of expansion - 2 inches
Physical development - Good. Distinctive Marks - None.
Cumberland Evening News – Saturday 29 May 1915
Recruiting in West Cumberland
…
The following recruits have enlisted in Maryport during the week: -
Border … Hugh Kirkbride 39, single, Nelson Street, Maryport.
He joined the Regiment at Carlisle on 28/05/1915, before being posted to 7th Battalion on 30/05/1915.
Hugh stayed in the UK training until 14/07/1915, when he was sent to France.
He was killed in action on 30/12/1915.
Hugh was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
The following personal items of Hugh were returned to his mother;
1 writing pad
1 pencil
1 bundle of correspondence
1 wallet
1 greeting card
1 leather purse
3 coins
A pension of 5/- a week from 26/07/1916 on 04/08/1916 was awarded to his mother.