Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Second Lieutenant J. O. Knight, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 31 October 1916

British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. O. Knight) good very fine (2) £60-£80

John Oswald Knight, ‘who was educated at Wellingborough Grammar School and was a well-known cricketer in local circles, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 8 September 1916. He was killed on 31 October 1916, aged 32, less than a fortnight since he had left England for the front. He had previously joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. One of his fellow officers wrote “volunteers for a patrol were asked for and Lieutenant Knight volunteered taking with him a sergeant and one private. The enemy started bombing the patrol, but all returned safely with the exception of Lieutenant Knight. A subsequent search was made, but no trace of Lieutenant Knight was found”.’ (The Rushden Echo, 10 November 1916, refers).

His commanding officer wrote ‘Whilst we were in the front line trenches you son went out with a small patrol the night of the 31st October. The part of the line was particularly quiet, and patrols had been out every night without encountering the enemy. Unfortunately, on this occasion our small party was bombed and fired upon and they got spit up. When your son did not come in with his men a further patrol was sent out to look for him. This party stayed until dawn. On the following evening another party was sent out to look for your son, but without success.’(The Rushden Echo, 1 December 1916, refers).

Knight is buried at Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery, Wytschaete, Belgium. Sold with a photographic image of the recipient.