Plans to restore grave of footballer who defied Hitler

A fundraising push is under way to restore the headstone of a former Derby County player who defied the Nazis during the club's 1934 tour of Germany.

British diplomats backed Hitler's officials when they ordered the Rams team to give the Nazi salute before each of their four matches, and only goalkeeper John "Jack" Kirby refused.

A photograph of that defiant act 90 years ago prompted local historian Kal Singh Dhindsa to trace Kirby's grave to St Peter's Church in Netherseal, South Derbyshire in June where he was saddened to find it in a "weathered state".

Mr Dhindsa, 45, now wants to raise £1,500 to restore the grave, describing Jack as a "local legend that should never be forgotten".

Born in South Derbyshire on 30 September 1909, Kirby made 191 appearances for the Rams after arriving from Derbyshire-based Newhall United in 1928.

During Derby County's tour in 1934, Kirby refused to salute in all four matches in four cities against German teams, of which the Rams lost three and drew one.

Kirby died in 1960 at the age of 50.

Mr Dhindsa said Kirby was a man who "continues to raise the spirits of all those who were inspired by his unforgettable act of defiance".

He was dismayed that the lead lettering of his grave had been lost to the elements and was "barely visible".

The restoration of the grave has the backing of Jack Kirby's great-niece, Rachel Kirby, 52, and approval from St Peter's Church.

Despite never getting to meet him, Rachel said she idolised her great-uncle, who was "loved to bits" by her father, Douglas, who was Jack's nephew.

Since Ms Kirby's father died in 2023, she is now the only person who visits the grave and she said she was worried about what will happen to it when she cannot go anymore.

"It’s such a shame that a person who did something so honourable could be forgotten about", she said.

"He always reminds me that you should stick to your values, your beliefs and follow your heart, and that’s what Uncle Jack did that day.

"Because of what he did in Germany, he didn’t know if would make it home alive."

Rachel said she was "honoured" that Mr Dhindsa reached out to restore her great-uncle's grave and has contributed £100 to the cause.

"I shall be a bit tearful when it gets finished", said Ms Kirby.

"If my dad would have known what was happening, he would be honoured too."

The appeal has so far raised more than £500 and it is hoped the restoration can be completed by midway through 2025.

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