Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son George Thomas Knott, an agricultural labourer, born 1857 in Edmondthorpe, Leicestershire and his wife Emma Mary Knott (nee Tuck, married in the 4th quarter of 1881 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1860 in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. Ernest was born 17th January 1891 in Edmondthorpe, his siblings were, Rose Elizabeth, born 1883, Violet, born 1886 and Daisy, born 1888, all his siblings were born in Edmondthorpe, in April 1891 the family home was in Edmondthorpe. In March 1901 Ernest was residing in the family home at Main Street, Wymondham, Leicestershire, together with his father, a railway platelayer, his mother and siblings, May, born 1894 in Edmondthorpe, Lily, born 1898 and George Robert, born 1901, the latter two siblings were both born in Wymondham. In the 2nd quarter of 1909 in the Leicester district, Ernest’s father died aged 52. In April 1911 Ernest was absent from the family home at The Rookery, Wymondham, residing there was his widowed mother, a caretaker and his siblings, Lily and George, a schoolboy. In the 3rd quarter of 1912 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Ernest’s widowed mother married William Finch. Prior to enlistment Ernest had been a footman in the employ of Lord Ranksborough. He embarked for France on the 29th July 1915, having already attained the rank of Corporal, a month later he was promoted to Sergeant. He took part in the Battle of the Somme and was killed at Bazentin-le-Petit Wood when a shell burst immediately on top of him. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 14 Jul-16 - FRICOURT. Battalion moved off at 12.15am and moved up to the southern edge of MAMETZ WOOD. Fairly heavy shelling. They reached the reserve position MAMETZ WOOD 500 yards west of the front edge at 3.20am just as intense bombardment of German trenches began, and either went into existing trenches or dug in. At 5.20am “B” Company (Captain ANDERSON) and 1 platoon of “A” Company moved over to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD to reinforce the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT They finally reached the north of the wood of village and as far as possible dug themselves in. They were mixed up with the 6th, 7th and 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Heavy casualties including all Company officers. At 6.00am remainder of “A” Company moved to German 1st line trench and started to consolidate it. 2 platoons of “C” Company taken to Brigade Headquarters for carrying. At 8.15am Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with “D” Company and ½ of “C” Company moved to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG had orders to take over defence on the north western and western edge of the wood which was being heavily shelled. At 8.45am “D” Company (Lieutenant NOLAN) directed on the north western corner of the wood to clear wood and dig in on the edge. 2 platoons of “C” Company in support trench with Battalion Headquarters. Between 9.00am and 12.00 noon “D” Company met with heavy opposition and reached forward support line but failed to clear wood. Lieutenant NOLAN was killed. Lieutenant de LISLE and Lieutenant SMITH were wounded. Between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm Germans threatened counter attack, very heavy shelling of all lines. “A” Company brought to Battalion Headquarters and 2 platoons sent to reinforce 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. At 12.00 noon Colonel KUMME, 2 officers and 30 men captured by “D” Company. Between 4.00pm and 7.00pm Brigadier came and ordered all available men to attack the north western edge of the wood. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG, Captain EMMETT and 2nd Lieutenant STEPHENS with about 50 men advanced roping in about 100 men of 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT as supports. Captain EMMETT with 40 men reached the north western edge of the wood and killed 4 German observers and attempted to charge the German trenches 50 yards from the edge of the wood. Captain EMMETT and 36 men were killed by machine gun fire. Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with the 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and a few of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had reached the railway line and came under enfilade machine gun fire (Lieutenant STEPHENS was killed). The edge of the wood close to the village was cleared and a small drive was organised towards Captain EMMETT’S party. They came under heavy sniping fire and Lieutenant HINCKLEY was wounded and most of his men killed or wounded. 7.00pm all posts started consolidating where they were. Patrols sent out constantly from the strong posts. Rough positions as below (On the Battalion Diary page a rough sketch shows the positions of the Companies) Between 9.00pm and 11.00pm heavy shelling and enemy rifle fire but no actual organised attack.
On Friday September 8th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS.” “MELTON AND THE WAR.” “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – WYMONDHAM. – KILLED IN ACTION. It is with feelings of deep regret that we report the death of another of our Wymondham heroes, 15020 Sergt. Ernest Knott, -- Leicestershire Regiment, who was killed in action of July 14th. Deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr. George Knott, and Mrs. Finch, of Stapleford Park, the first news of his death reaching his mother on Sunday, August 20th, by wire from Mr. Harvey. A further message was received on the 2nd from the War Office confirming the sad news. A letter was also received from one of the officers of the regiment who spoke in the highest terms of the deceased. He assured the sorrowing mother that his death was instantaneous, a shell bursting right on top of him. He was a very popular N.C.O. On Saturday his mother and sisters, placed on the grave of his father in the churchyard a lovely artificial wreath in memory of Ernest, from his mother, step father, sisters and brother. On Sunday evening a memorial service was held in this church. A most touching and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. James Mountain, rector, who referred to the two previous fallen heroes. Deceased was a member of both week-day and Sunday schools, a choir lad and -?- in bell ringing. Suitable hymns were sung, and at the close the Dead March in “Saul” was played on the organ by Mr. Dyke, the congregation standing.