In memoriam
Second Lieutenant John Knox MC and Bar
Second Lieutenant John Knox MC and Bar, 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Formerly a Private in the North Irish Horse, Service No. 2166, and in the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, Service No. 1/40887. Son of Robert Knox of Tierkelly, Rathfriland, County Down.
Military Cross (MC) London Gazette Supplement 18 February 1918. Bar to MC in London Gazette Supplement 7 November 1918, with the following citation: "T./2nd Lt. John Knox, M.C., R. Irish Rif. For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. Having reached his final objective, he found the platoon on his right held up. He at once led an attack on the point, and captured it, taking a machine gun and six prisoners. Then he worked along fences, clearing out three enemy posts, and established touch with the division on the right. He handled his platoon with the greatest skill, and showed fine courage and coolness under difficult conditions."
Died of wounds on 23 October 1918, aged 28.
Buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France, grave VI.B.43. The gravestone inscription reads:
SECOND LIEUTENANT
JOHN KNOX MC
ROYAL IRISH RIFLES
23RD OCTOBER 1918
GONE FROM A WORLD
OF SIN AND STRIFE
GONE TO A NEW
AND BETTER LIFE
In the image below, Knox's grave is in the front row, fourth from the right.
Images kindly provided by Phil Watson.