Career
He is notable as a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Foreign daring gallantry at Benares, on the 4th of June, 1857, on the outbreak of the mutiny of the Native Troops at that station, in having volunteered to proceed with two Non-commissioned Officers to rescue Captain Brown, Pension Paymaster, and his family, who were surrounded by rebels in the compound of their house. And having, at the risk of his own life, succeeded in saving them.
John Kirk died of Tuberculosis on 31 August 1865.
He is buried in Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool.
