Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal Mechanic W. Knight, 11 (Fighter) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, for his gallantry near Courcelles, 25 March 1917, in saving one of the Squadron’s FE2b’s from destruction by shell fire - whilst under heavy machine gun and shell fire himself

Military Medal, G.V.R. (25674 2. Cl: A.M. W. Knight. No. 11 Sq: R.F.C.); British War and Victory Medals (25674. A. Cpl. W. Knight. R.A.F.) mounted for wear, with repaired named card boxes of issue, two R.A.F Records documents and a cutting, all laminated, extremely fine (lot) £1,800-£2,200

M.M. London Gazette 11 May 1917, the recommendation states:

‘Displayed coolness and gallantry on March 25th near Courcelles while under shell and machine gun fire, thereby saving an FE2b of 11 Squadron from destruction by shell fire.’

Approximately 167 M.M.’s, and 2 Second Award Bars were awarded to the Royal Flying Corps for the Great War.

William Knight was born in Reigate, Surrey in 1888. He served with the 2/5th Battalion, West Surrey Regiment, November 1912 - March 1916. Knight enlisted as a 2nd Class Air Mechanic in the Royal Flying Corps, 30 March 1916. He was posted for service with 11 (Fighter) Squadron (FE2b’s) at Bertangles, in April 1916. Knight moved with the Squadron to Izle-le-Hameau in August 1916, and distinguished himself near Courcelles 25 March 1917. The following appeared in the St. Mary’s Church, Reigate, Parish Magazine:

‘It is with much happiness that we are able to announce the award of the Military Medal to W. Knight, for steady devotion to important duties under very heavy fire. We learn that he has been personally congratulated by the General, who shook hands with him and told him the whole squadron were proud of him. In a letter recently received from him he says:

“I know I don’t deserve the decoration as I only did my little bit, but I have tried very hard to do my best, and it is an encouragement to know I have done something.”

We heartily congratulate him and can assure him that St. Mary’s too is very proud of him and his splendid achievement.’

Knight transferred to 3 Brigade H.Q. in June 1917, and advanced to 1st Class Air Mechanic in September of the same year. He transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and remustered as Acting Corporal Mechanic in December of the same year. Knight transferred to the Reserve in March 1919, and was discharged in April the following year.