Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
David Knox, one of 9 children of whom only 5 had survived by 1911, was the 2nd born of 4 known sons, 2 daughters and 3 gender unknown, offspring of Patrick and Mary Knox. His father was born in Queens County (modern day Laois), August 6th 1865, his mother in County Kilkenny, February 16th 1862. Their son Michael was born 1891 in Queens County, David, James and Mary in County Kilkenny in 1893, 1894 and 1896 respectively. Between 1898 and 1901 the Knox family emigrated to England settling at Esh Laude in County Durham where Ellen was born in 1901 and Patrick Jnr in 1904. Unfortunately, their sister Ellen died in 1908 at only 6 years of age. In 1911 they were living in 4 rooms at 8, Church View, Quebec, County Durham. Patrick Snr had continued his employment as a coke drawer, Michael (20) was a coal hewer, David (18) and James (17) putters at the colliery, Mary (13) and Patrick Jnr (7) were scholars, living with them was niece Ellen Rachford (14) who also attended school.
When war was declared with Germany in August 1914 David was 21 years of age. As of July 31st 1916 the Royal Garrison Artillery was authorised to raise 16 new batteries. David enlisted and was trained as a gunner, he departed to France with the 214th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, January 23rd 1917. The 214th by September of 1917 had moved to the outskirts of Ypres in Belgium positioned in the area near the village of Dickebusch. Equipped with heavy howitzers their mission was primarily to bombard the enemy artillery. Gunner 295878 David Knox Royal Garrison Artillery was killed in action September 24th 1917 and interred at The Huts Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, near Ypres in Belgium, grave VII. A. 12. He was 24 years of age and single.
As his sole legitimate beneficiary his mother Mary received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to her at Church View, Quebec, County Durham.
In 1939 retired labourer Patrick Knox and his wife were still living at Church View. Patrick Knox, aged 79 years, died in 1945, registered at Durham Central, details as regards his wife Mary are as yet unknown.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
David Knox is remembered at Esh Laude on E73 01
