George William Knights

A Private with 1st Bn. George died on 24th of August 1914 at the age of 29. 

George was born at Lowestoft on 17 December 1883, a son of Charles Owen and Margaret Knights. Throughout his life George's family lived at 18 Alma Road, Lowestoft. George was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 March 1886.

George was living at Lowestoft and working as a labourer, for Mr. Wilkins of Lowestoft, when he enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 5 November 1903. He then joined the regular battalions of the regiment, Norwich, on 19 December 1903. 

In 1908 George married Victoria Louisa Rouse, at Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 23 Alma Road and George worked as a window cleaner. Later Victoria remarried and lived at 45 Clemence Street, Lowestoft.

George was an Army Reserve when the First World War began and was mobilized on the outbreak of the war. George arrived in France with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, on 16 August 1914. 

On 24 August 1914 the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment and the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment were at Audregnies, near Mons. The British had little time to dig in when they were attacked by a large German force that outnumbered them by three to one. The Norfolk Regiment was given the order to retire and the Cheshire men covered their retreat, losing approximately 800 men in the holding action.  

George was reported to be missing in action on 24 August 1914 and, January 1916, it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date.  

Note: Military records give George's surname as Knights, however many civil records give his family name as Knight.

George's brother-in-law, Albert Rouse, was killed in action in 1916 whilst serving with The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).