No.17251, Private, Arthur KNIGHTS
Aged 29
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Born in 1886 (2nd qtr Bury St.Edmunds) son of Isaac and Emily KNIGHTS (née AUSTEN)
1891 census... Aged 5, he was at 4 Aberdeen Place, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Isaac KNIGHTS [32] maltster ; his mother Emily [29]; brother William J Knights AUSTEN [11]; sisters Alice [9], Ellen [7], Emily L [3] and Louisa [1]. All were born in Bury St.Edmunds His mother died in 1898, presumably at the time of the birth of Richard George. 1901 census...not found in this census. At 64 Raingate Street, Bury St.Edmunds were his his widower father; brothers William (foundry worker), Isaac [9] and Thomas [5]; sisters Ellen and Louisa. Emily had been adopted by her uncle and aunt. Brother Richard George [3] was with his uncle and aunt at 79 Eastgate. He married Celia Emily WITHERS [14-8-1881] in Aston Magna, Glos. on November 26th 1906 1911 census...Aged 25, cowman on farm, he was at Hansell, Shottery, Stratford on Avon with his wife Celia Emily [29] born Draycott Worcestershire ; daughter Vera May [2-5-1907]; sons Arthur John [2] and William [3-3-1910]. Arthur John died in 1914 in Bury St.Edmunds aged 5 One more daughter was born, Ivy Mary 21-11-1912, his widow living at 13 Raingate Street, Bury St.Edmunds. She married Hubert PAYNE in Shipston in 1921 His brother Richard George died in France in August 1917 see here |
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He enlisted in Oxford. His medal index card indicates he must have enlisted in the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry before the war.
The 2nd Hampshire landed from "River Clyde" on Helles Point on 25th April 1915. 6th August..Marched up mule track and took over trenches from Royal Fusiliers, heavy gun fire to 1 pm, bombardment from 2:15 pm until 3:50 pm. Attack launched, first line advanced at proper time, attack did get home, majority of first line killed or wounded. Capt BS Parker led attack of second line, killed soon after leaving trenches. Attack failed. Failure of attack attributed to the number of machine guns in front and flanks of position, these guns had not been knocked out in the bombardment and as soon as attack was launched opened very heavy fire Strength of Battalion going into action Officers 27 Other Ranks 846 Casualties Killed..officers 3 Other ranks 31 Wounded Officers 2 OR 183 Missing Officers 16 OR 212 Sick Officers 1 OR 13 Total officers 22 OR 439.
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