Initiative to Restore Grave of Footballer Who Defied Hitler

An initiative to raise funds has commenced with the aim of restoring the headstone belonging to a former Derby County footballer. This player notably defied the Nazis during the club’s 1934 visit to Germany. Despite British diplomats supporting Hitler’s officials in their directive for the Rams team to perform the Nazi salute prior to each of their four games, goalkeeper John “Jack” Kirby was the sole individual who declined. The discovery of a photograph depicting this act of defiance from 90 years prior motivated local historian Kal Singh Dhindsa to locate Kirby’s grave. In June, he found it at St Peter’s Church in Netherseal, South Derbyshire, noting with regret its “weathered state”. Mr. Dhindsa, aged 45, is now seeking to collect £1,500 for the grave’s restoration, referring to Jack as a “local legend that should never be forgotten”. John Kirby, born in South Derbyshire on September 30, 1909, played 191 games for the Rams after joining from Newhall United, a club based in Derbyshire, in 1928. Throughout Derby County’s 1934 tour, Kirby consistently declined to perform the salute across all four matches held in four different cities against German teams. The Rams recorded three losses and one draw during these games. Kirby passed away in 1960, at the age of 50. Mr. Dhindsa commented that Kirby was an individual whose actions “continues to raise the spirits of all those who were inspired by his unforgettable act of defiance”. He expressed concern that the grave’s lead lettering had deteriorated due to exposure to the elements, rendering it “barely visible”. The proposed restoration of the grave has received support from Jack Kirby’s great-niece, Rachel Kirby, 52, along with the endorsement of St Peter’s Church. Rachel stated that despite never having met her great-uncle, she idolized him, noting that he was “loved to bits” by her father, Douglas, who was Jack’s nephew. Following the passing of Ms. Kirby’s father in 2023, she is now the sole visitor to the grave. She expressed concern regarding its future when she is no longer able to visit. She remarked, “It’s such a shame that a person who did something so honourable could be forgotten about.” She added, “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.” Furthermore, she noted, “Because of what he did in Germany, he didn’t know if would make it home alive.” Rachel conveyed that she felt “honoured” by Mr. Dhindsa’s initiative to restore her great-uncle’s grave and has personally donated £100 towards the effort. Ms. Kirby commented, “I shall be a bit tearful when it gets finished.” She also stated, “If my dad would have known what was happening, he would be honoured too.” To date, the appeal has accumulated over £500, with expectations that the restoration work will be finalized by mid-2025.