Henry James Knight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry James Knight
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| Born | 5 November 1878 Yeovil, Somerset |
| Died | 24 November 1955 (aged 77) Anderson, Dorset |
| Buried |
Bournemouth Crematorium (Memorial at Millborne St Andrew Church, Dorset)
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1892–1911, 1914–1917 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | The King's (Liverpool) Regiment Royal Fusiliers Manchester Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Henry James Knight was a very brave soldier from England. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest and most important award for bravery. It is given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces. It honors those who show amazing courage when facing the enemy. Henry James Knight was born on November 5, 1878, and passed away on November 24, 1955.
A Heroic Act in South Africa
Henry James Knight was born in Yeovil, Somerset. He was 21 years old when he showed incredible bravery. At that time, he was a corporal in the 1st Battalion of The King's (Liverpool) Regiment. This happened during the Second Boer War in South Africa.
On August 21, 1900, Corporal Knight was with four other soldiers. They were positioned in some rocks. Their job was to protect the back of another group of soldiers. Suddenly, about 50 enemy soldiers attacked. Corporal Knight's small group was almost surrounded. They were very close to the enemy.
Corporal Knight stayed calm and held his ground. He told his men to move back one by one to a safer spot. He stayed behind to cover them. He kept fighting for almost an hour. This allowed his captain's group to pull back safely. During this time, two of his four men were wounded.
After covering his comrades, Corporal Knight also retreated. He bravely brought the two wounded men with him. He left one wounded soldier in a safe place. He then carried the other wounded soldier himself for nearly two miles. They were under heavy fire the entire time. This amazing act of courage earned him the Victoria Cross.
Later Life and Recognition
After the war ended in June 1902, Henry James Knight stayed in South Africa for a while. He returned home to Southampton in December of that year.
Later in his life, he became a Captain in the Manchester Regiment. His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Museum of the King's Regiment in Liverpool, England.
