Appeal for family of WW1 heroes
AN APPEAL has been made for the family of two Stockport war heroes to come forward ahead of them being honoured.
Wilfred Wood from Hazel Grove and James Kirk of Cheadle Hulme will be commemorated in a series of events to mark 100 years since the end of World War One.
Both received the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Great War after their actions saved many lives.
Stockport council would like to find out more about the two men and ask their families if they want to be involved in the commemorative events.
Wilfred Wood was just 17 when World War One began and was a private in the 10th Battalion, The Northumberland Fusiliers.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, in Italy, on October 28, 1918.
As his unit came under fire, Private Wood charged forward firing at the enemy’s machine gunners and forcing well over 100 to surrender.
Upon returning from the war he returned to a job working on the railways, retiring in 1960 and passing away on January 3, 1982, aged 84.
James Kirk, also 17 when the war broke out, became a second lieutenant from the 10th Battalion, the Manchester Regiment.
His award was made posthumously as he sadly paid for his heroics at Ors, in France, with his life.
On November 4, 1918, Lieutenant Kirk took his gun and paddled across a canal on a raft to provide cover that allowed two allied platoons to cross a bridge before it was destroyed.
He was just 10 yards away from the enemy as he fired and did not survive.
Councillor Walter Brett, Mayor of Stockport, said: “The Victoria Cross is the country’s highest military honour and we’re very proud that two Stopfordians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their outstanding bravery in World War One.
“We want to plan a fitting tribute to them in their hometown and we’d very much like the descendants of these men to be part of it, so if you’re a relative or a friend please contact us.”
Among the events planned will be the laying of commemorative paving stones at Hazel Grove and Cheadle Hulme war memorials on October 28 and November 4 respectively.
Anyone with information can email alison.farthing@stockport.gov.uk or call 474 4469.
The Friends of Stockport Cemeteries also want to find relatives of Grenadier William Wright, who died at the Battle of Sambre, France, on November 4, 1918.
The group wants to invite them to a World War One commemorative service at Willow Grove Cemetery, Reddish, on November 10.