 Kitching served in the First World War, being made second lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry on 10 October 1914.He reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, and when he retired from the army he acquired Elmwood at Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees where his former batman (Wilfred Young, father of Muriel who later found fame in television) became his chauffeur.He was awarded MBE and was appointed High Sheriff of Durham in 1941.