Kirkup Philip Brigadier 7992
Personnel Entry
Name Kirkup Philip
Army number 7992
Rank Brigadier
Decorations D.S.O.* Gazetted 13/9/1918 and 16/9/1918, O.B.E., M.C. Gazetted 3/6/1916,T.D., MiD.
Date of birth 1893, Cornsay Colliery, Lanchester District
Age 0
Unit Cadet - Marlborough College Contingent, Junior Division, Officers' Training Corps. Commissioned as a Territorial Officer into the Durham Light Infantry as a 2/Lt in the 8th Battalion 18/11/1912. Commanded 8th Bn DLI. Posted Brigade HQ 25/8/1939. B.E.F., Dunkirk. Iceland. Relinquished command 24/7/1942. Served North Africa.
Company/Battery 70 Bde HQ
Platoon or other sub-unit
Task or role Brigade Commander.
Joined Brigade 25-Aug-39
Promotions Lt 31/5/1914. Temporary Captain 10/6/1915. T/Major-General
Wounded
Prisoner of War
Died/Killed in action Died 1959.
Home address Mining Engineer. Manager - Craghead Colliery.
Source table 70BG
The family house in which Philip Kirkup was born subsequently became the Surgery for the local GP Practice (Drs Charlton).
The Citation for his award of the Distinguished Service Order - which was published in the London Gazette on 13/9/1918 - reads as follows:-
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While in command of his Battalion - holding two bridgeheads, was attacked six times by the enemy in mass. It was due to his courage, tireless energy and initiative in organising counter-attacks in the face of enormously superior numbers that time was allowed for reserves to come up and prevent a break in the line".
The Citation for the Bar to his Distinguished Service Order readws as follows:-
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night before a battle opened this officer was sent to the Field Ambulance with a temperature of 103 deg., but on hearing the barrage he left and attempted to rejoin his unit, which was impossible, so he collected all the men he could and organised a defensive position, which he held on to as long as possible. During the next two days he several times assisted in rallying men and holding up the enemy advance, and when ammunition had almost run out, he rode back and brought up small arms ammunition, riding practically into the front line with it. Throughout the whole period he did much to organise stragglers and beep them in the fighting line, being without sleep, and having little food for five days. (D.S.O. gazetted 16th September, 1918.)"
