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Cyril and Winifred Kirk ~ a war time wedding.

Submitted by David Kirk son of the above.

See also
Diary of Cyril Kirk parts 1,2 and 3
On the road to Mandalay 1944 ~ Cyril Kirk

Three months after Dad had been evacuated from Dunkirk he married my Mum on the 9th September 1940. Dad had been part of the BEF and had confided in Mum that following the British Army retreat from France, “Things were not looking too good." This prompted them to marry.

The following appeared in a local Nottingham newspaper (10th September 1940):

CITY FAMILIES LINKED

The marriage took place yesterday at St. Ann’s Church, St Ann’s Wells Road,
Nottingham of Corporal Cyril Kirk son of Mr and Mrs Kirk of 36 St. Ann’s Valley, Nottingham, to Miss Winifred Davies, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Davies, of 23 St Alban’s street, Sherwood, Nottingham. The bride, who was given away by her father, was prettily attired in a blue dress with hat to match, and Mr Fred Abel of Nottingham, was best man.

The Rev. S. Oscroft, of Leicester (a personal friend of the bridal pair) conducted the ceremony and Mr Clarke presided at the organ.

A reception was afterwards held at the bride’s home.
.......................

Dad was stationed in various army camps in England after their wedding. His regiment was busy re-equipping and training on new artillery guns before they could once again join the hostilities, as they had lost everything before being evacuated from Dunkirk.

On 21st May 1942 Mum gave birth to my sister Ann in a maternity hospital in Nottingham. Dad was stationed in Crook in the North East of England and based on letters written at the time, I believe he had 48hrs leave to see my Mum and his little baby.

It must have been a harrowing time as it is clear that his regiment was preparing to go overseas within days. Whilst on this leave he gave my Mum and his own mother his new contact address.

L/Sgt Kirk C 850046
5/22 Med Bty RA
1st Med Regt RA
c/o Army Post Office 1755

Dad left Crook on the night of 26th May 1942 (5 days after the birth of his first daughter) destined for combat overseas. My Mum recounted that she had a surprise visit from him as he broke way from his convoy on the way to the port. For this briefest of visits he quickly gathered a large bunch of bluebells from the hedgerow and took them into the hospital. From that day onwards bluebells had a special significance for Mum.

Mum did not know of his whereabouts until 3rd August 1942 when she received the following by telegram.

“ Fit in India = Cyril Kirk L/SGT “

(They would not see each other again until November 1945).

In the meantime Dad wrote many letters from the troopship on which he was travelling.

In a letter dated 8th June 1942 he gave some idea of what life on board was like.

“It’s possible to tell you a little more about our ship, you will of course want to know as much as possible. She is a fair size and seems to have catered for a considerable passenger service in peacetime. Naturally enough just now we are a little overcrowded. Food is still very good and of course ‘moreish’. Reveille is at 6am and PT at 6.30 till 7. Breakfast at 7. From 9 till 10 we have classes. 10 to 11 we have to do boat drill which consists of standing at stations with life jackets on.
Sgts. Dinner is up at 11.45. So that means the morning passed for me. In the afternoon I am taking PT classes. I also do this in the mornings from 11 to 12 approx. The evenings are entirely free unless on duty. We usually find ourselves in the mess for a couple of hours having a drink of iced grape juice or beer. (beer is not worth drinking aboard, it is flat and warm).

It is by now pretty warm, we are wearing tropical kit, tropical shorts etc. There are a lot of interesting things to be seen in the sea now, flying fish, porpoise etc. The scenery has become more interesting in that the sea is an amazing blue. Quite like you see in paintings.

Baths are one of the luxuries with which Sergts are able to avail themselves anytime, (the men are not so fortunate they are limited). The water however is sea water and of course salt water soap has to be used but even then it is terribly hard to create a lather. Washing of course we have to do ourselves. I managed mine on Sunday last. The canteen continues to thrive lustily. Judging from varying prices of some articles it would seem that there is a bit of ‘fiddling’ don’t know of course.

Well I think that about covers the lot. By the way I see Heydrich is dead, well that’s another. Cheer up dearest! Now don’t forget no worrying and yours truly will be ok. Give Ann a big kiss from her daddy and hurry up that photograph, I want to see her. I can hardly wait. I guess I must console myself for a while yet anyway.

God bless you dearest and keep you safe, well and happy".
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Mum and Dad survived the war, Dad having served in India and Burma. Sadly both have now passed away leaving Ann Hutchinson, David Kirk and Lynda Winton their children with fond and loving memories.
Mum lived to see her Great Grandchildren Josie, Johny, Ben and James.

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