George Arthur Knowland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Arthur Knowland
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| Born | 16 August 1922 Catford, London |
| Died | 31 January 1945 (aged 22) Hill 170, Arakan, Burma |
| Buried |
Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Norfolk Regiment No. 1 Commando |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | _ribbon.png){kind=small} Victoria Cross |
George Arthur Knowland (born August 16, 1922 – died January 31, 1945) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross during World War II. This award is the highest and most respected honor for bravery in battle given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
George Knowland was born in Catford, London, in 1922. He went to Elmwood Primary School in Croydon. In 1940, he joined the British Army as a private soldier. He became part of the Royal Norfolk Regiment. By the end of 1941, he had become an officer.
A Hero in Burma
At just 22 years old, Lieutenant Knowland was serving in Myanmar (Burma). He was part of No. 1 Commando, a special unit. He took part in a very important fight called the Battle of Hill 170. It was during this battle that he showed incredible bravery and earned the Victoria Cross.
The Battle of Hill 170
On January 31, 1945, near Kangaw in Burma, Lieutenant Knowland was leading a small group of soldiers. His group of 24 men was attacked by about 300 enemy soldiers. It was a very intense fight.
During the attack, George moved around his men, giving them ammunition. He also fired his rifle and threw grenades at the enemy. When the soldiers using one of his machine guns were hurt, he quickly ran forward. He took over the machine gun himself.
The enemy was only about 10 yards away. To shoot at them, he had to stand up, even though it was dangerous. He kept firing until his wounded soldiers were moved to safety. A new team was sent to help with the gun, but they also got hurt. George stayed with the machine gun until a third team arrived.
In another attack, he grabbed a small mortar, which is like a small cannon. He fired it directly at the enemy from his hip. He then went back to the trench for more ammunition. He even fired the mortar from out in the open. When he ran out of mortar rounds, he used his rifle.
The enemy soldiers were getting very close. George didn't have time to reload his rifle. So, he picked up a "Tommy gun," which is a type of machine gun. He used it to fight the enemy. He killed more enemy soldiers, but he was badly wounded and died.
Even though more than half of his soldiers were hurt or killed, the remaining men kept fighting. They held their position for 12 hours. Because of their bravery, they stopped the enemy from moving forward on that hill.
What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military award for bravery. It is given to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. It recognizes acts of extreme courage when facing the enemy. George Knowland received this award for his outstanding bravery.
Remembering George Knowland
George Knowland was buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery in Burma. His grave is a reminder of his courage and sacrifice.
