Frank Knight
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Knight was born in 1891 at Ollerton and was the son of William an estate labourer and Elizabeth Knight née Walker of Walesby His father William was born in 1860 at Oxton, his mother Elizabeth Walker was born in 1870 at Wellow, they were married in 1889 their marriage was recorded in the Southwell registration district, they went on to have the following children, Frank b1891 Ollerton, Ernest b1896 Ollerton, Lily b1898 Laxton and George b1901 Walesby. In the 1911 census the family were living at Walesby village and are shown as William 51 yrs an estate worker on Duke of Newcastle estate, he is living with his wife Elizabeth 41 yrs and their children Frank 19 yrs an estate labourer on the Earl of Manvers estate, Ernest an estate labourer of the Duke of Newcastle estate, Lily 13 yrs a scholar and George 10 yrs of age.
Private Frank Knight enlisted on 28th August 1914 at Worksop, giving his age as 23 yrs and address of Ollerton and his occupation as that of a plumber, his next of kin was his father William of the same address. He was posted to the Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He embarked from England on 24th August 1915 and was posted to the 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters on 25th August. He was killed in action on 11th January 1916 and is buried at Ration Farm, Military Cemetery La Chapelle D'Armentierers, France.
Pte F Knight Retford Times 4 Feb 1916 'Mr and Mrs Knight of Walesby have received the sad information that their son, Pte F Knight of the 1st Sherwood Foresters, was killed in action on January 11. Pte J Theaker of the 1st Sherwood Foresters conveyed the news in the following letter:- “It is with great regret that I write to tell you that Frank was killed yesterday morning. His death was instantaneous and he suffered no pain. Frank was well liked by the men in his platoon and they all join with me in expressing the deepest sympathy with you in your sad bereavement.” Mrs Knight has also received the following letter from the Rev Seymore B Barry (chaplain) of the 24th Infantry Brigade:- “You will have heard by now that your boy has laid down his life for his country. It will be a relief to you to know that he suffered no pain. He was shot by a sniper on Tuesday morning and I buried him in a little cemetery Just behind the trenches. Words are a very poor comfort at such a time but it is with real and deep sympathy that I write these few lines to you. A cross with your boy’s name on it marks his grave. I pray that God will keep, comfort and support you in your hour of sorrow.” Pte Knight was 25 years of age and enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters on August 29th 1914. He was a Military Policeman from January 8th 1915 to July 1915 at Lostwthial, Cornwall and went to France on August 23rd 1915. Up to the time of enlisting, he was apprenticed as a fitter on the Newcastle estate where he won the respect of all his fellow workmen. A memorial service was held the St Edmunds Church for Pte Knight when the Vicar, the Rev W Pullen spoke a few words of comfort to the bereaved family and expressed his sympathy and also that of the village with them in their sorrow. Mr and Mrs Knight and family wish to thank all friends for their sympathy in their sad bereavement.'
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