Signalman Kirkhope, 2 Special Service Brigade Signals, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [1].
Recommendation
Gulf of Salerno 13th September 1943
On 13 Sep. at SS Bde HQ. on the Vietri to Salerno road Sigmn. Kirkhope volunteered to repair a vital line to one of the forward units which had been cut by shell fire.

After proceeding along the line the break was found and as the enemy was mortaring the area heavily Sigmn. Kirkhope had to perform the repairs under conditions of extreme danger.

On the return journey Sigmn. Kirkhope visited a relaying station where he found the operator exhausted from long hours on duty under fire. He at once relieved the operator and himself continued to operate the station though he had had no rest since the assault landing five days earlier. He continued on duty all day.

A few hours later the line was again cut by enemy fire during the ensuing battle on Dragone Hill. In spite of very heavy mortar fire and his great fatigue Sigmn. Kirkhope continued to man the relaying station which now served as the only link forward. Throughout the operation this man showed the greatest willingness to undertake all tasks however dangerous and his unflurried efficiency and technical skill under fire ensured the maintenance of communications during a critical period of 24 hours [2].