First published 4 May 1917

William Edward P. Kirby was the son of William and Emily Kirby. After his father's death, his mother remarried so in the local press reports he is described as being the stepson of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson of Leach's Mews, Exeter. He survived the war and married Mary Hynes in Exeter in 1922.

From The Western Times*

4 May 1917

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in action. Undaunted by a fierce bombardment of our trenches, he went on with his work of repairing telephone wires and thus enabled his comrades to re-establish communications."

*The original Gazette citation seems to be missing.