| Knowles | George | | Lieutenant | KNOWLES, GEORGE, Lieutenant, was born 16 October 1873, younger son of Colonel Fred Knowles, 2nd Bengal Cavalry, and Jane Barbara Knowles, of Tisbury Road, Hove. He was educated at Wellington College, and Sandhurst, and joined the Derbyshire Regiment 19 July 1893. He became Lieutenant 10 June 1896, and was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps 6 August 1897. He served in Southern Nigeria in 1901, in operations in the Ishan and Ulia countries (Medal with clasp), and in the Aro Expedition, 1901-2, in which he was severely wounded, and for his services he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 12 September 1902], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 September 1902]: "George Knowles, Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps. For services during the Aro Expedition in Southern Nigeria". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented at Fyzabad 25 October 1904. He joined the 2nd Lancers, Indian Army, becoming Captain 19 July 1902, and served in East Africa, Somaliland, 1903-4, commanding the 6th Somali Camel Corps from 19 August 1903. He was employed on Special Service with the Somaliland Field Force 14 January 1903 to 16 November 1914; served in Natal in the Zulu Rebellion, 1906, and was promoted Major 19 July 1911. Major Knowles served in the European War from 1914 to 1918, in France, and was twice mentioned in Despatches, and received a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, presented in London 9 February 1918 [London Gazette, 4 February 1918]: "George Knowles, DSO, Major, Indian Cavalry. He took command of the regiment when his Commanding Officer became a casualty, and remained in command though he was wounded. He made most skilful dispositions, and clung to his position with the greatest determination, though surrounded on all sides, until he was relieved. He showed great ability and courage". Major Knowles married, 29 January 1918, at Christ Church, Mayfair, London, Florence Eugenie, only daughter of Colonel J O Goldie, Indian Army, of Hove, Sussex.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
