World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
Ralph Alexander Kirkup
Forename(s):
Ralph Alexander
Surname:
Kirkup
Initial(s):
R A
Service Number:
315780
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 11th (Service) Battalion, 'D' Company
Died:
27/10/1918
Aged:
24
Buried:
Tezze British Cemetery, Italy
Service History:
The village of Tezze was captured by the Austrians in the advance during the autumn of 1917 & remained in their hands until the Allied forces crossed the River Piave at the end of October 1918.
On the 27 October 1918 the Allies attacked the Austrians to the east of the Piave & encountered stiff resistance before forcing the Austrians back. It is more than likely that Kirkup lost his life during this attack.
Background:
Born 1894 at Chillingham, Northumberland, the son of William (b.1855 at Lowick, Northumberland) & Isabella (née Hunter; b. 1856 at Eglingham, Northumberland) Kirkup. At the time of Ralph’s death, the family were living at Yetlington or Trickley House Chatton, depending on which website you consult!
RalphÂ’s mother & father were married in 1878 & in 1881 were living at Holborn Hamlet, Lowick with their one-year old daughter Mary Jane (b.1880). William was working as a Gamekeeper.
By 1891 the family had moved to Trickley House, Hepburn. William was still working as a Gamekeeper & there were five more children - William (b.1882); John H. (b.1884); Annie (b.1885); Thomas (b.1887); & Matthew (b.1889).
In 1901 they were still at Trickley House with new siblings George (b.1892) & Ralph (b.1895).
Sometime between 1901 & 1911 the family moved to Yetlington. Kirkup's father was then working as a General Labourer & Rabbit Catcher, as was Thomas. John H., Matthew & Kirkup were all Horsemen on the farm. Annie was 25 & single.
Kirkup's older brother, George, served with the Royal Garrison Artillery from 1915 to 1919 & returned home.
Local Memorial:
Glanton, Plaque in Presbyterian Church
Glanton, United Reform Church
(Source: For Glanton URC, newmp.org.uk)
Whittingham, St. BartholomewÂ’s Church Roll of Honour
Whittingham & Callaly 1914-1918 Memorial Stone
Whittingham, Memorial Hall Plaque