Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A post-War ‘Palestine’ C.B. group of nine awarded to Major General J. M. Kirkman [C.B.E.], Royal Artillery, who served as Chief of Staff H.Q. British Forces in Palestine, 1947-1948, and as Chief of Staff, Far East Land Forces, 1948-1950. M.I.D. for both of the previous appointments, he subsequently served as Colonel Commandant, Royal Regiment of Artillery

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, minor white enamel damage, in Garrard & Co. Ltd case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2-Lieut. J. M. Kirkman); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya (Brig. J. M. Kirkman. C.B.E. Staff.) ; Coronation 1953, breast awards mounted as originally worn, and housed in a leather case with riband bars for all of recipient’s award, generally very fine (9) £1,000-£1,400

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C.B. London Gazette 7 January 1949:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Palestine.’

C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1944.

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, Knight London Gazette 9 July 1957.

Greece, Royal Order of King George I with Swords, Commander London Gazette 16 January 1948.

John Mather Kirkman was born in May 1898, and was the son of J. P. Kirkman, JP of Bedford. He was educated at Westminster (where he was a King’s Scholar) and at R.M.A. Woolwich. Kirkman was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in February 1917, and served with the Royal Field Artillery in the French theatre of war from 2 July 1917. He advanced to Lieutenant in August 1918, and to Captain in February 1930.

Kirkman served as Adjutant, September 1931 - January 1933, and at the Staff College, Quetta, 1933-34. He advanced to Major in August 1938, and served as Acting Lieutenant Colonel, July - October 1940; Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, October 1940 - July 1942; and Temporary Brigadier, July 1942 - January 1949. Kirkman served as Deputy Director of Military Intelligence at the War Office in 1942, as Brigadier General Staff, Southern Command in 1944, and as Brigadier General Staff, Middle East, April 1945 - April 1947 (M.I.D.). He was promoted Colonel in March 1945, and served as Chief of Staff H.Q. British Forces in Palestine from 1947 (M.I.D.).

Kirkman advanced to Major General in January 1949, and served as Chief of Staff, Far East Land Forces, 1948-50 (M.I.D.). He subsequently served as Chief of the Intelligence Division, Germany, 1950-54 and as Colonel Commandant, Royal Regiment of Artillery. He relinquished the latter appointment in July 1963. Kirkman served as Commander in Chief St. John Ambulance Brigade from 1956, and was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers. Major General Kirman died in 1964.