The family of a hero Derby County goalkeeper, who refused to give Nazi salute in defiant gesture against Hitler in a 1930s match, has thanked fans after his rundown grave was restored
The rundown grave of a one of football’s bravest heroes has been restored following a fundraising campaign. John “Jack” Kirby was goalkeeper for Derby County when he heroically defied Adolf Hitler’s Nazis. Derby were on tour in Germany in 1934 and when they played matches the team was ordered to all give Nazi salutes. All did, except Kirby who refused point blank and was captured in this iconic photo showing his contempt.
He was buried in Derbyshire, but his grave fell into a state of disrepair until historian and Derby fan Kal Singh Dhindsa launched a campaign to raise money to repair it. Kal, 45, a supply teacher, told the Mirror: “When I first saw the photo I was immediately in awe of this man.
“What an inspirational player – having the bravery to stand up to Hitler and Nazi Germany. When I started this appeal there were donations from supporters from all sorts of clubs. Lots from Derby but also from our rivals Nottingham Forest. It was lovely to see the football world come together to honour such a man.
“Jack Kirby is a Derbyshire legend of defiance. It was a pleasure to see this through. The original grave was in a very weathered state. It was almost impossible to find then decipher what was written on it.
“Myself and family members decided that the best thing to do would be to restore it as close as possible to what it looked like when it was first put down. Despite never meeting him, Jack Kirby’s great-niece, Rachel Kirby, said she idolised her great-uncle for his defiant act 90 years ago. She said: “His grave had become weathered and unrecognisable to fans, but thanks to Kal and generous supporters, it has now been beautifully restored, with the lettering once again clear for all to see.”
Rachel said her Uncle Jack shared a close bond with her father, Douglas. Even into his 90s dad took great pride in visiting the grave and laying flowers, but sadly we lost dad to dementia,” she added.
“I know how he would have been deeply moved by this tribute. I’m incredibly proud and so thankful to everyone who donated, shared, and supported. I’d love people to visit and remember him.”
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