Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

17th Canadian Field Regiment RCA, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1945

Recommendation:
On the night 16/17 April 1945 at Otterloo (Holland) when the enemy attempted to break through the town and rejoin his main forces, this Non-Commissioned Officer was in command of his gun detachment in 60 Battery. This battery was sited in rear of the other two and during the early stages of the attack, although subjected to intense mortaring and machine-gun fire, did not have the enemy actually on the gun position, and as a result was able to maintain a terrific concentration of fire to assist the other two batteries who were heavily engaged in fighting the enemy. While 60 Battery guns were still firing the enemy did reach his position. With contempt for the mortar bombs and machine-gun bullets which were landing all over the position, Sergeant Knight, realizing his gun must continue firing, shot the first enemy to approach his gun. Then a second German appeared and as this Non-Commissioned Officer attempted to deal similarly with him, his weapon jammed. Again with no thought of personal consequences and displaying valor and a sense of duty far beyond the normal call, Sergeant Knight disposed of the next German with his bare hands. While all this was going on he still continued to pass fire orders to his gun, which remained in action the whole time. His courage and coolness in a situation which seldom confronts the gunners kept his detachment on the gun and continued to produce the essential fire required by the other batteries.
Later on, “tank alert” was ordered when information was received that tanks were entering the town from the North, Sergeant Knight, again with utter contempt for the mortars and machine-guns, moved his gun up into the town to a position where he could cover the main cross-roads, so that he could engage any tanks which might threaten the battery position.
During the whole engagement this Non-Commissioned Officer’s conduct was outstanding. His cool, stout-hearted steadiness and courage, the example he set for his detachment and the rest of the unit undoubtedly kept the remainder of his battery in action until the attack was successfully repulsed.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 9th October, Issue 37302, dated 11th October 1945.