Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘Italian operations’ M.C. attributed to Captain R. D. Knowles, Royal Artillery, for his gallantry as a Forward Observing Officer over a 72 hour period; he was later killed in action during the campaign, 20 March 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1944’, and additionally engraved ‘Capt. Ralph D. Knowles, R.A.’, in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £600-£800

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2003.

M.C. London Gazette 29 June 1944.

The original Recommendation states: ‘From the night 18th/19th January 1944 until midday 22nd January Capt. Knowles was Forward Observing Officer in continual support first of 1 Green Howards and later of 3 Coldstream Guards.
At dawn on 19th January he advanced under a barrage with B Coy. 1 Green Howards into Minturno where he established an observation post on the roof of a house. From here he directed accurate concentrations on to enemy infantry and mortar positions. During this time his observation post was under heavy mortar and MG fire and was finally rendered untenable. Captain Knowles therefore advanced further into town to another house from which he continued to direct fire all that night in spite of continual mortar fire and sniping.
On 20th January he again advanced with C Coy, 1 Green Howards under a barrage to Trimonsuoli, a further carry of wireless equipment of 4,000 yards. He then established his observation post within 300 yards of the enemy positions and with complete disregard for his own exposed and precarious position he directed the fire of his own and a medium regiment for the rest of the day.
On 21st January he succeeded in maintaining his observation post in spite of fierce counter-attacks by enemy infantry and tanks. During the whole of this day he directed accurate fire on the enemy counter-attacks and was largely instrumental in breaking them up.
For over 72 hours he was without rest or sleep, and showed complete disregard of personal safety. By his cool and gallant behaviour under heavy fire he rendered invaluable support to the infantry in the most difficult circumstances.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 January 1945 (Italy).

Ralph David Knowles was the son of R. G. Knowles of Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery (T.A.) in July 1938, and advanced to Temporary Captain in May 1942. Knowles served in Africa and Italy, and was serving with 368 Battery, 92 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery when he was killed in action in Italy, 20 March 1944, aged 23 years. Captain Knowles is buried in the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.