Lance Corporal James Knox
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
James Knox was born 1896 at Gateshead, County Durham, the eldest of 2 sons and 2 daughters born to George Knox and his wife Alice Bell, both natives of Gateshead born 1872. The couple were married in the district of Gateshead in 1891, George was employed as a machine driller whilst they were living at 89, Edward Street, Gateshead, by 1911 they had moved to 73, Lichfield Street. George Knox was now a machinist at Blaydon Iron Works, James (15) was employed as a grocer’s assistant.
On the outbreak of war James Knox left his employment to enlist for the duration of the war and was assigned as Private 3655 to the 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The main body of men left Newcastle railway station for France, April 19th 1915. Within days, they were fighting in the Second Battle of Ypres, suffering casualties from shelling and gas attacks on the Frezenberg and Bellewaarde ridges. Private Knox joined the regiment in the field as part of the 151st Brigade of 50th (Northumbrian) Division, October 30th 1915. The 1st/9th served until August 1916 in the trenches of the Ypres Salient and Armentieres, then moved south to join the Somme fighting. In September and October, the 1/9th DLI attacked towards the Starfish Line, north of High Wood, and the Flers Line at Eaucort l’Abbaye.
Having risen through the ranks Lance Corporal 3655 James Knox Durham Light Infantry was killed in action September 15th 1916. His sacrifice is recorded as one of the 72,246 names inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, Thiepval, France, pier and face 14A & 15B, which commemorates servicemen from the British Empire who died on the Somme 1915-1918 and who have no known grave. He was 20 years old and single.
At the request of his father all monies due to Lance Corporal Knox were given to his mother Alice along with his awards of the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Alice Knox died aged 60 years in 1932, George Knox in 1934 aged 63 years, both registered in the district of Gateshead.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
James Knox is remembered at Heworth on H92.03
