Geoffrey John Kirkby

Geoffrey John Kirkby

Infobox Military Person
name=Geoffrey Kirkby
lived=August 26, 1918 - October 24, 1998
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=


caption=Captain GJ Kirkby, HMS "Diana", 1961
nickname=
allegiance=United Kingdom
serviceyears=
rank=Captain
branch=Royal Navy
commands= HMS "Diana"
unit=HMS "Kingston"
HMS "Melbreak"
battles=World War II
* Second Battle of Sirte
* Battle of Normandy
awards=Distinguished Service Cross (3)
relations=
laterwork=

Geoffrey Kirkby, Royal Navy, (August 26, 1918 - October 24, 1998). He had an action packed Second World War, spent mainly at sea in small ships. He was one of the Royal Navy's most decorated officers.

Royal Navy service

First DSC (June 1940)

At 21 years old, Kirkby was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for boarding the sinking Italian Navy submarine "Torricelli" and capturing the vessel's signal books. Kirkby was serving on board HMS "Kingston" at the time. The sight of the young Kirkby emerging from the conning tower of the submarine firmly clutching the invaluable enemy books remained a vivid image for all those who served with him.

econd DSC (March 1942)

Kirkby, while still serving on board "Kingston", took part in one of the most famous naval actions of the Second World War. In a battle which came to be known as the Second Battle of Sirte, Rear Admiral Vian brilliantly protected a Malta convoy against a far superior Italian force.

"Kingston" took part in a daring torpedo raid for which the ship had to close within three miles of the Italian heavy units which led to the award of Kirkby's second DSC.

Third DSC (August 1944)

Kirkby was now on board HMS "Melbreak" which, for the Normandy landings, acted as a marker for US Forces landing at Omaha Beach.

The action which led to the award of his third DSC came in a series of fierce actions spread over four nights which frustrated the German efforts to evacuate Le Havre in August 1944.

Post war

One of his post war appointments was as Captain, HMS "Diana", 1961, 1962. He was an inspirational leader of men who had the magical knack of creating a 'happy ship'.

He was known throughout the Royal Navy as an outstanding ship handler.

One of his two daughters is Dame Emma Kirkby, the renowned soprano.

External links

* [http://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/alumni/obituaries/files/KIRBY%20Capt%20Geoffrey%20John.html Obituary]


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