FRANK JAMES KNIGHTS
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Born: 27th June 1883, East Bergholt, Suffolk.
Baptised on the 4th August 1883, at St. Mary’s Church, East Bergholt – family home at East Bergholt.
Died: 28th September 1917; age: 34; severely wounded by a bursting shell on the 19th September; died of his Wounds at the Military Hospital, Dover, Kent.
Evening Star – 31st October 1917 – Mrs. Knights, of 222, Bramford Lane, Ipswich, has received a letter from an officer of the Rifle Brigade relative to the deathof her son, Rifleman Frank James Knights, who died on the 28th September, as the result of wounds received on the 19th. The officer says: “Your boy was a fine fellow – cheerful always and a very good solideir. I never had cause to complain to him of anything he did. I was not with my men when he was hit, or I might have been able to tell you more about it. It has hurt me very much to hear of his death. I beg of you to accept my sympathy. He has given his life in the finest way a man can.
Occupation: a Barman at the Station Hotel, Ipswich, for five years.
Residence: Ladysmith Cottages, 222, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.
Enlistment: Frank joined the Suffolk Regiment in March 1916 and proceeded to France in the following September
Rank: Rifleman; Service Number: B/200524
Regiment: The Rifle Brigade, 8th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Grave Reference:
BA.I.64.
Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 Heath Road, East Bergholt, Suffolk.
Frank was 7 years old and living with his widowed mother & siblings.
Anna Knights (nee Neale), 41, a Coal Dealer, born Leiston, Suffolk.
Ernest Alfred Knights, 17, a Brush Maker, born Framlingham, Suffolk.
Bertram William Knights, 15, born Framlingham.
Frederick Francis Knights, 11, born East Bergholt, Suffolk.
Alice Annie Knights, 10, born East Bergholt.
Lily Hetty Knights, 9, born East Bergholt.
Anna Ella Knights, 6, born East Bergholt.
1901 Heath Road, East Bergholt, Suffolk.
Frank was 17 years old, a Grocer’s Assistant. He was living with his mother & siblings.
Anna, 50.
Ernest, 26, a Coal Merchant.
Frederick, 21, a Coal Carter & Chimney Sweep.
Ella, 16.
1 boarder & 1 lodger.
Frank’s father was Henry Knights, born 1843, Tunstall, Suffolk – died on the 11th February 1885, East Bergholt. Leaving a young widow and nine children wholly unprovided for.
Soldiers’ Effects to Anna Knights – mother.
MILITARY FUNERAL AT IPSWICH
Ipswich Chronicle & Mercury Newspaper
The funeral took place at Ipswich Cemetery recently of Rifleman Frank J. Knights. The deceased, previous to joining the Army, was employed for five years as a barman at the Station Hotel, Ipswich. He joined the Suffolk Regiment in March 1916, and proceeded to France in the following September, and was invalided home with trench fever, but returned to France in April 1917. On September 19th he was severely wounded by a bursting shell, and succumbed to his injuries on September 28th in the Military Hospital, Dover. Full military honours were given at the funeral. The bearers, firing party, and buglers were sent by the Suffolk Regiment. The coffin, covered with the Union Jack, was borne on a gun-carriage drawn by six black horses. The interment took place in the Field of Honour, the service being conducted by the Rev. C.R.Phillips (curate of All Saints). The mourners included: Mr. A. Knights and Pte. F. Knights (brothers), Miss A. Knights and Mrs. Young (sisters), Mrs. F. Knights and Miss Marjorie Young. The deceased soldier’s mother and youngest sister were unable to attend through ill-health. Messrs. Hastings and Son carried out the funeral arrangements.
The Rifle Brigade, 8th Battalion:
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/the-rifle-brigade-1914-1918/
http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/site.asp
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