Four: Leading Seaman F. C. Knight, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve

1914-15 Star (J.20801, F. C. Knight, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.20801 F. C. Knight. L.S. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (J.20801 (Po. B.15850) F. C. Knight. L.S. R.F.R.) contact marks, edge bruise to BWM, generally very fine (4) £80-£100

Frederick Cecil Knight was born in Acton, London, on 21 August 1895 and joined the Royal Navy on 21 August 1913. He saw service during the Great War in H.M.S. Birmingham when, on 9 August 1914, she sank U-15 by ramming her and cutting her in two, thus becoming Germany’s first U-boat loss of the war. She then sank two German merchant ships before taking part in the Battle of Heligoland on 28 August 1914, and later the Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915. He saw later service in H.M.S. Royal Sovereign, when he was advanced Leading Seaman on 1 June 1917. He was shore discharged on 21 August 1925, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. His Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was issued on 14 May 1929.