Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Knott an agricultural labourer, born 1867 in Burton Lazars, Leicestershire and his wife Caroline Knott (nee Dunkley, married in the 4th quarter of 1891 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1871 in Yorkshire. John Thomas, a schoolboy, was born in the 2nd quarter of 1893 in Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at North Side, Ab Kettleby. In April 1911 John was absent from the family home in Ab Kettleby, residing there was his father, an iron stone quarry worker, his mother and brother Cecil James, a schoolboy, born 1902 in Ab Kettleby, John was employed as a farm wagoner, and was residing as a servant at Kimcote cum Walton, Leicestershire. John first entered the theatre of war on the 2nd March 1915 in France, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. He nominated his mother, Caroline Knott as his sole legatee.
On Friday June 9th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – AB KETTLEBY. – MILITARY HONOUR. We are proud to record the great honour conferred on a native of this village, Lance-Corpl. Jno. Thos. Knott, of the Leicesters, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Knott, formerly of this village, who last year left Kettleby, and are now living in Asfordby. Lance-Corpl. Knott has recently received the following communication from his commanding officer Major General E. Stuart Wortley, commanding 46th North Midland Division: “North Midland Division, British Expeditionary Force. Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field. I have read their report with much pleasure, and am bringing your conduct to the notice of superior authority.” As a sequel we are glad to learn from Friday evening’s supplement to the “London Gazette” that the King has been pleased to approve of the reward of the Military Medal to be awarded to 1552 Lance-Corpl. J. T. Knott, Leicestershire Regiment, for distinguished service in the field. Lance-Corpl. J. T. Knott was educated at the Council School in this village, and spent the whole of his life here. He went to France with his regiment shortly after the commencement of the war, and his many friends in the neighbourhood will be proud to congratulate him on his distinguished success.
On Friday June 22nd 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – AB KETTLEBY. PROMOTION.- We are pleased to report the promotion of Corporal J. T. Knott, of the 5th Leicester’s, who has been raised to the rank of Sergeant. Sometime ago he was presented with the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and his promotion gives much satisfaction to his many friends in this district. Sergeant Knott is the son of Mr and Mrs T. Knott of Asfordby, and formerly of this village. For many years he has been a respected member of the Ab Kettleby Reliance branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and we wish him much success in his future career.
The War Diary records: 21 Nov-17 - TRENCHES HILL 70 LEFT. At 5.30am our Divisional artillery opened a small bombardment in connection with minor operations by Division on right lasting 40 minutes. At 6.30am bombardment increased to barrage with high shrapnel and a few thermite bombs, effect was sufficiently attractive to induce the enemy to expect raid. More coloured lights were sent up and barrage similar to previous day laid down. Again no casualties. At 6.15am The operation by next Division carried out. Enemy still continued to shell our sector until 6.35am. Remainder of the morning -?- and quiet. Advance parties of the 4th Battn LEICESTERSHIRE REGT shown round the trenches. At 7.45pm in absolute quietness except for a few machine gun bullets the Battn was relieved and marched out via PETIT LOOS to billets in huts at MAZINGARBE. Accommodation has improved and Battn HQ now in a house in the Boulevard (SNOB’S ALLEY). Rain stopped for relief and men were all in billets by 10.00pm.
On Friday December 7th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – ASFORDBY. – ANOTHER ASFORDBY MAN KILLED IN ACTION. – Mr. and Mrs. Knott, of Asfordby, have just received news that their eldest son, Sergt. John Thomas Knott, of the Leicester’s, Trench Mortar Battery, has been killed in action, the news being conveyed to them in the following letter:- “Dear Mrs. Knott, - It is with the deepest regret that I am writing to inform you of the death in action of your son, No. 240175 Lce. Sergt. J. T. Knott, killed in action on the 21st inst. He was in action, firing his gun when the enemy got a direct hit on the emplacement. He was killed instantly so that he knew no suffering. Sergt. Knott had only been with me for one month, but in that short time he had given a very favourable impression indeed, and earned the respect and esteem of all in the battery. He was buried in the English cemetery, and lies with many of his friends and brother soldiers who have given their lives for their country. Once more assuring you of the deepest sympathy in your sad loss on behalf of the officers and men of the battery, I remain, yours very sincerely. (signed) Arthur M. Clark, Capt.” Sergt. Knott was formerly in the Territorial’s, and was mobilised on the 6th August 1914, going to France in February, 1915. His last letter home was written on the 19th November, two days before he was killed. Prior to the war Sergt. Knott was employed at the Holwell Iron Co.’s Works. Some time ago he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.
On Friday December 14th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. – KNOTT. – In loving memory of our dear son, Sergt. J. T. Knott, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Knott, of Asfordby, who was killed in action on Nov. 21st 1917, in his 25th year. We often pause and think, dear John. And wonder how you died. With no one near who loved you dear. Before you closed your eyes. The unknown grave is the bitterest blow. None but aching hearts can know. From his sorrowing Father, Mother, Brother, and fiancée (Elsie). And under the heading, THANKS. – Mr. and Mrs. Knott wish to tender their sincere thanks to all kind friends for sympathy and letters sent in their sudden bereavement.
On Friday January11th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – AB KETTLEBY. – MEMORIAL SERVICE. – A service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening in memory of the late Sergeant J. T. Knott, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Knott, of Asfordby, and formerly of this village, there was a large attendance, including the father and mother, and brother and fiancée of the deceased soldier. The service was conducted by Mr. J. Needham, who spoke in the highest terms of the good qualities of the deceased, who was highly respected by all who knew him. He passed through their Sunday and day schools, was a most attentive scholar, a great favourite with his companions and was fond of all manly sports and games. In his career as a soldier he won the Military Medal for his conspicuous bravery in the field, and was spoken of in high terms by his officers. At the close Mr. J. Needham played the “Dead March” in “Saul.”