Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

The Royal Ulster Rifles

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

Citation:
"Brig Knox commanded the Bde which assaulted the beaches at LA RIVIERE on 6 Jun 44. The hazards of an opposed landing were greatly increased by the most unfavourable weather and sea conditions. Not only was it impossible to land the DD tanks, thus depriving the landing troops of their close support on first landing, but the clearance of mines and other obstacles on the beach was greatly interfered with, and this combined the the rising tide resulted in many small craft being sunk or capsized and vital vehicles drowned. Added to all this, many of the enemy's guns and machine guns had not been silenced in the preliminary bombardment.
Where many might have faltered Brig KNOX's Bde never wavered, but with the utmost gallantry pressed on with the assault not only overcoming all natural difficulties but wearing down relentlesley with great skill and daring ...tubborn and tenacious enemy .....tected with concrete and well concealed field works.
Brig KNOX was well ashore within the hour his first troops landing and in spite of the fire still sweeping the beaches and searching areas inland he moved freely and fearlessly amongst his troops encouraging and directing them with the greates skill. His cool courage and quiet imperturbility were a great source of strength and a rare inspiration to his whole command so that they continued to press on with renewed vigour and eagerness.
As night fell the Bde had secured two bridgeheads (with intact bridges) over the river SEULLES at CREULLY and ST GABRIEL, in advance inland of some 700 yards and this after successfully assaulting a strongly defended beach under the most adverse conditions of weather and sea, clearing a heaviliy defended village on the coast and two battery positions behind - a great feat of arms and of endurance. This great achievement was made largely possible by the courageous, Skillful and determined leadership of Brig KNOX, whose prowess as a leader and commander was quite outstanding."

Awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSO.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Awarded on:

April 24th, 1946

With Swords.
Royal Decree Nr. 29.
Permission to wear the decoration was granted on July 18th, 1947.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

With Palm.
Permission to wear the decoration was granted on September 25th, 1947.