Updated on VWMA
KNIGHT, Minnie
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born Birmingham, England
Daughter of Edward KNIGHT and Mary nee BAYLIS
Sister to Mrs. H A HALL
Age 36 years
Training Austin Hospital
Enlisted 26 April 1917
Embarked 09 May 1917 in Sydney per “Ulysses”
Service in England and France
Returned to Australia 04 June 1919 per “Bremen”
Appointment terminated 31 October 1919
AANS
Born Birmingham, England
Daughter of Edward KNIGHT and Mary nee BAYLIS
Sister to Mrs. H A HALL
Age 36 years
Training Austin Hospital
Enlisted 26 April 1917
Embarked 09 May 1917 in Sydney per “Ulysses”
Service in England and France
Returned to Australia 04 June 1919 per “Bremen”
Appointment terminated 31 October 1919
KNOWLES, Mary Jane
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Matron
AANS Born c 1867 at Washington, DC, USA Daughter of Frederick KNOWLES and Elizabeth nee RILEY Sister of James Sheridan KNOWLES Age 49 years Enlisted 21 November 1914 at Heliopolis, Egypt Embarked 29 November 1914 per “Kyarra” Service in Egypt Returned to Australia 25 April 1916 per “Demosthenes” Unabsorbed by Unit Appointment Terminated 08 May 1916 Did not marry Died 25 October 1940 at Toorak, SA Aged 76 years Resided Blackwood, SA Buried West Terrace Cemetery Catholic Eastern Ground G 19 |
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OBITUARY.
The late Miss Mary Jane Knowles, whose death occurred on October 25, was born seventy-six years ago in Washington, D.C., and came with her parents, Elizabeth and Frederick Knowles, when a small girl, to Australia. Her early childhood was spent at Clare and Blyth, and from the latter place she was sent to the Dominican Convent to be educated, being one of the very first pupils of Mother Mary Catherine. Miss Knowles trained at the Adelaide General Hospital, serving later as a charge sister. She was later matron of the Royal British Nurses Home, when the war broke out in 1914, she offered her services and was appointed matron of the Second General Hospital at Heliopolis. On her return, Miss Knowles was offered a position as an inspector in the Central Board of Health. After retiring from the latter position, Miss Knowles lived at Blackwood, where she was a keen worker for the Catholic Church. She as also a prominent member of the Catholic Women's League, and was one time president. At her lovely little home at Blackwood, called 'El Matariyeh' after the place in Egypt where the Holy Family rested, and meaning 'The Resting Place,' Miss Knowles spent many happy years. Her great joy was in her garden and flowers, and she helped in many quiet ways almost all the Catholic charities, and also the Blind Institution.
Northern Argus Friday 06 December 1940 page 4
The late Miss Mary Jane Knowles, whose death occurred on October 25, was born seventy-six years ago in Washington, D.C., and came with her parents, Elizabeth and Frederick Knowles, when a small girl, to Australia. Her early childhood was spent at Clare and Blyth, and from the latter place she was sent to the Dominican Convent to be educated, being one of the very first pupils of Mother Mary Catherine. Miss Knowles trained at the Adelaide General Hospital, serving later as a charge sister. She was later matron of the Royal British Nurses Home, when the war broke out in 1914, she offered her services and was appointed matron of the Second General Hospital at Heliopolis. On her return, Miss Knowles was offered a position as an inspector in the Central Board of Health. After retiring from the latter position, Miss Knowles lived at Blackwood, where she was a keen worker for the Catholic Church. She as also a prominent member of the Catholic Women's League, and was one time president. At her lovely little home at Blackwood, called 'El Matariyeh' after the place in Egypt where the Holy Family rested, and meaning 'The Resting Place,' Miss Knowles spent many happy years. Her great joy was in her garden and flowers, and she helped in many quiet ways almost all the Catholic charities, and also the Blind Institution.
Northern Argus Friday 06 December 1940 page 4
KNOWLES, Pauline Anderson
Staff Nurse
AANS
Born 25 January 1891 in Armidale, Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Joseph KNOWLES and Hetta (Henrietta) nee KEIGHRAN
Sister to Leon KNOWLES
Age 26 years
Enlisted 13 September 1917
Embarked 26 November 1917 in Melbourne per “Indarra”
Service in India
Returned to Australia 05 January 1920 per “Cap Verde”
Appointment Terminated 30 March 1920
Did not marry
Died 26 June 1963 in Perth, WA
Aged 74 years
Resided Mount Lawley, WA
Buried Karrakatta Cemetery Roman Catholic MA 0251 - site expired
AANS
Born 25 January 1891 in Armidale, Melbourne, Vic.
Daughter of Joseph KNOWLES and Hetta (Henrietta) nee KEIGHRAN
Sister to Leon KNOWLES
Age 26 years
Enlisted 13 September 1917
Embarked 26 November 1917 in Melbourne per “Indarra”
Service in India
Returned to Australia 05 January 1920 per “Cap Verde”
Appointment Terminated 30 March 1920
Did not marry
Died 26 June 1963 in Perth, WA
Aged 74 years
Resided Mount Lawley, WA
Buried Karrakatta Cemetery Roman Catholic MA 0251 - site expired
KNOX, Hilda Mary
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Sister
AANS Born Benalla, Vic. Daughter of James Baldook and Isabella KNOX Of Benalla, Vic. Enlisted 21 November 1914 Embarked 05 December 1914 Re-embarked 19 August 1916 Died 17 February 1917 Aged 33 years Buried St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen Officers B 4 10 View the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial commemorating Sister Hilda Mary Knox here |
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Return of Sister Knox —Sister H. Knox, who since the outbreak of the war been nursing in Egypt, returned to Benalla on Friday evening to enjoy a brief spell. There was a large crowd gathered at the railway station when the press arrived to meet her, and she was given a most cordial welcome, which included a cheer from the Rev. P. J, Edwards and the boy scouts. She was taken from the station to her home in a motor car, and was again welcomed by a number of other friends who bad assembled to greet her. On Sunday, at the morning service, the Rev. P. J. Edwards made reference to her home coming. He said that there was one who had taught in their Sunday-school, and had been a member of their choir, with them that morning who had lately returned from Egypt, where she had been nursing their brave wounded soldiers. The grand work that was done by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean war had caused the world to ring with her name. We had our Florence Nightingale in Australia — in Benalla, and he felt thankful to Almighty God that Sister Knox had been taken care of and brought home to us here. He was also pleased to see two soldiers in church who bad been nursed by her. The reception to Sister Knox is to be given in the Shire hall on Thursday next, at 8 p.m.
Benalla Standard Tuesday 04 April 1916 page 2
Benalla Standard Tuesday 04 April 1916 page 2
Death of Nurse at the War.
Residents of Benalla were greatly shocked on Thursday last to hear that Sister Hilda Knox (daughter of Mr James Knox, secretary of Benalla Shire) had died in England on 17th inst from meningitis. She was accepted for nursing service shortly after the announcement of war, and spent several months in Egypt. She came home for a few weeks last year, returning to Egypt in November, and was transferred to England last month. The body of her brother, Gordon, who was one of two of her brothers on service, was found in the River Nile only recently, and letters just received indicate that he was murdered by a native of Egypt, his fondness for motor riding leading him into lonely places at times.
Myrtleford Mail and Whorouly Witness Thursday 01 March 1917 page 8
Residents of Benalla were greatly shocked on Thursday last to hear that Sister Hilda Knox (daughter of Mr James Knox, secretary of Benalla Shire) had died in England on 17th inst from meningitis. She was accepted for nursing service shortly after the announcement of war, and spent several months in Egypt. She came home for a few weeks last year, returning to Egypt in November, and was transferred to England last month. The body of her brother, Gordon, who was one of two of her brothers on service, was found in the River Nile only recently, and letters just received indicate that he was murdered by a native of Egypt, his fondness for motor riding leading him into lonely places at times.
Myrtleford Mail and Whorouly Witness Thursday 01 March 1917 page 8
OF BELOVED MEMORY
Memorial Service.
At Holy Trinity Chuich on Sunday evening a crowded congregation took part in a beautiful memorial service held in connection withwith the lamented death of Sister Hilda Knox, the circumstances of which have been fully noted in these columns. The church was appropriately draped, including a striking red cross lovingly worked in scarlet geraniums on a white ground, placed in front of the pulpit, which was draped in black and purple. The Union Jack and Australian Flags appeared at the entrance of the chancel, and a beautiful wreath hung in front of the choir rails. The choir gang the anthem, "Crossing the Bar." also such favorite hymns as " Now the Laborer's Task is O'er," ''Nearer,my God, to Thee," and "Abide with Me." Miss Edwards gave a warmly sympathetic rendering of the solo "He wipes the Tear from every Eye." Miss Walters presided at the organ, playing Chopin's "Funeral March," and the"Dead March in Saul,"
Rev. P J. Edwards introduced his address by quoting the lines from Sir Walter Scott : " When pain and
anguish wring the brow, A ministering angel thou."
It is many years since these words were written by Sir Walter Scott, but they are still true, and daily
find a responsive echo in the hearts of thousands. It is in times of sickness and sadness that a
woman's work and worth are seen to the best advantage. Through dreary days and weary nights
of sleepless pain her patient endurance is tried to the uttermost, and when all other watchers
have given way to despondency, her a cheerful presence and her hopeful words have won the
sufferer back to life or lightened his path through the valley of the shadow of death. To do good,
and to perform deeds of mercy, have ever been regarded as a sphere of work for which woman
is especially well qualified, and in the performance of these duties she has proved herself worthy
of the highest praise that we can bestow upon her, and at the present time it is our pleasing duty
to bear a tribute to the women, and especially to the memory of one who has played so noble and heroic a part in the Great War. Their noble example guides and inspires us ; their courage and resourcefulness are wonderful. Upon women's shoulders has fallen a large share of the burden of the war, yet they have proved themselves more than equal to the great trial. Their heroism calls forth admiration and veneration. There is no heroism like the heroism of a woman whose actions are prompted by love. Beyond all wealth, honor, or even health is the attachment we form to noble souls.
How many women in this hour of their country's great trial have revealed their true natures. The war has cut deep into the hearts of women ; upon their shoulders has fallen the larger share of the great burden of sorrow, yet how nobly have they borne themselves. Seldom, if ever before, has the call upon woman hood been greater. It may even be said that the women hold the keys of victory. The sense of their gaze is on the men they would not deny it ; the traces of their work are around them, and the incense of their prayers rises like a cloud to Heaven. In spirit they are on the battlefield like the angels of Mona, the hearts of the heroes hold them in reverence. The full story of the great part played by women in the war can never be told. Only, by glimpses, as it were, may we form a picture of the heroics of our sisters in the great cause. During this war we have read of many heroines, some widely known,others less known. The story of the heroism of Nurse Cavell is well known. Many pictures have been given of her early life, and of the full and happy days of service up to the time of her last visit to Norwich. She was a tender, imaginative, home-loving woman, yet one who sought for love's sake the dark and troubled places of life. When the war broke out she happened to be with her aged mother at Norwich, but the call to service and she knew well what was involved was immediately obeyed. Her work lay in Brussels, the capital of the first country devastated by the cruel Germans, yet to Brussels she bravely returned to our lasting sorrow she fell a victim to a net, cunningly weaved and set for her destruction.
Memorial Service.
At Holy Trinity Chuich on Sunday evening a crowded congregation took part in a beautiful memorial service held in connection withwith the lamented death of Sister Hilda Knox, the circumstances of which have been fully noted in these columns. The church was appropriately draped, including a striking red cross lovingly worked in scarlet geraniums on a white ground, placed in front of the pulpit, which was draped in black and purple. The Union Jack and Australian Flags appeared at the entrance of the chancel, and a beautiful wreath hung in front of the choir rails. The choir gang the anthem, "Crossing the Bar." also such favorite hymns as " Now the Laborer's Task is O'er," ''Nearer,my God, to Thee," and "Abide with Me." Miss Edwards gave a warmly sympathetic rendering of the solo "He wipes the Tear from every Eye." Miss Walters presided at the organ, playing Chopin's "Funeral March," and the"Dead March in Saul,"
Rev. P J. Edwards introduced his address by quoting the lines from Sir Walter Scott : " When pain and
anguish wring the brow, A ministering angel thou."
It is many years since these words were written by Sir Walter Scott, but they are still true, and daily
find a responsive echo in the hearts of thousands. It is in times of sickness and sadness that a
woman's work and worth are seen to the best advantage. Through dreary days and weary nights
of sleepless pain her patient endurance is tried to the uttermost, and when all other watchers
have given way to despondency, her a cheerful presence and her hopeful words have won the
sufferer back to life or lightened his path through the valley of the shadow of death. To do good,
and to perform deeds of mercy, have ever been regarded as a sphere of work for which woman
is especially well qualified, and in the performance of these duties she has proved herself worthy
of the highest praise that we can bestow upon her, and at the present time it is our pleasing duty
to bear a tribute to the women, and especially to the memory of one who has played so noble and heroic a part in the Great War. Their noble example guides and inspires us ; their courage and resourcefulness are wonderful. Upon women's shoulders has fallen a large share of the burden of the war, yet they have proved themselves more than equal to the great trial. Their heroism calls forth admiration and veneration. There is no heroism like the heroism of a woman whose actions are prompted by love. Beyond all wealth, honor, or even health is the attachment we form to noble souls.
How many women in this hour of their country's great trial have revealed their true natures. The war has cut deep into the hearts of women ; upon their shoulders has fallen the larger share of the great burden of sorrow, yet how nobly have they borne themselves. Seldom, if ever before, has the call upon woman hood been greater. It may even be said that the women hold the keys of victory. The sense of their gaze is on the men they would not deny it ; the traces of their work are around them, and the incense of their prayers rises like a cloud to Heaven. In spirit they are on the battlefield like the angels of Mona, the hearts of the heroes hold them in reverence. The full story of the great part played by women in the war can never be told. Only, by glimpses, as it were, may we form a picture of the heroics of our sisters in the great cause. During this war we have read of many heroines, some widely known,others less known. The story of the heroism of Nurse Cavell is well known. Many pictures have been given of her early life, and of the full and happy days of service up to the time of her last visit to Norwich. She was a tender, imaginative, home-loving woman, yet one who sought for love's sake the dark and troubled places of life. When the war broke out she happened to be with her aged mother at Norwich, but the call to service and she knew well what was involved was immediately obeyed. Her work lay in Brussels, the capital of the first country devastated by the cruel Germans, yet to Brussels she bravely returned to our lasting sorrow she fell a victim to a net, cunningly weaved and set for her destruction.
Her woman's heart, burning with brave design,
Forgot the law, and when a man desired To play the man -her woman's soul was fired.
To help him join again his country's battle line.
For that she died-the hands that she had healed
Took her rare life; the heads that she bad bound
Plotted the giving of her own death wound.
Not womanhood could save-not womanhood could shield her from her cruel assasins.
Forgot the law, and when a man desired To play the man -her woman's soul was fired.
To help him join again his country's battle line.
For that she died-the hands that she had healed
Took her rare life; the heads that she bad bound
Plotted the giving of her own death wound.
Not womanhood could save-not womanhood could shield her from her cruel assasins.
Again, to read of the ordeals and hardships endured by nurses in Serbia during an outbreak of typhus fever and diptheria, and also daring the retreat over the snow-clad mountains, is a poignant lesson if lesson be needed-in woman's power of endurance. There was scarcely a calamity which those (brave women were not called upon to face-their heroism is beyond praise. Few names stand higher on the roll of heroines of mercy than that of the beloved Sister Hilda Knox. We honor the memory of Sister Hilda Knox because of her tender, gracious, beautiful, and loving character ; she has added a glory to womanhood which can never fade. The story of her noble life and work moves the heart and mind like sacred music. Her foremost aim was to serve God aud humanity ; love was her watchword. Indeed, it was her devotion to the cause of love, her great love for her parents, and sisters and brothers, and her loving influence that induced three of her brothers to follow her example by enlisting in the great, cause of freedom and humanity. It was her devotion to her profession, her esteem and admiration for the men of her native town and country who had left all to fight for the dear old flag and the integrity of the Empire it was her love and sympathy for the wounded sick and dying, and it was her great sympathy for suffering humanity when in those supreme and solemn moments she stood in view of God and eternity that endears her to us so strongly. Her life was'spent in succouring those who had need. It was this combination of saintliness, heroism, and lofty patriotism that will ever keep her memory green.
She was an angel - standing by the sick one's pillow
With a gentle touch and a soundless tread,
Where wounded heads were drooping like the willow
There she stood, between the living and the dead.
She was a ministering angel, ready to answer every call,
Quick to see and understand, prompt to answer each demand,
Strong the heaviest strain to stand noble handmaid of the King
Christly, work indeed was hers To combat pain and rest procure,
Christ's reward is indeed assured
For the handmaid of our King
With a gentle touch and a soundless tread,
Where wounded heads were drooping like the willow
There she stood, between the living and the dead.
She was a ministering angel, ready to answer every call,
Quick to see and understand, prompt to answer each demand,
Strong the heaviest strain to stand noble handmaid of the King
Christly, work indeed was hers To combat pain and rest procure,
Christ's reward is indeed assured
For the handmaid of our King
Sister Hilda Knox was as most of you know, a native of Benalla, and was born in the present residence of her parents on the 29th December, 1883. Many of you present grew up with her, and can recall pleasant recollections of happy seasons spent together, especially Sunday school ; she was a most apt scholar, distinguishing herself at several examinations, and winning many valuable prizes. In the choir and orchestra she proved herself an accomplished musician, and as a communicant she was a most consistent and conscientious member. She was gifted with a beautiful disposition and rare charm of manner, and was in every way suited for the noble profession she hart chosen for her life task. In the year 1902 she arranged to leave home to go into training. Accordingly she entered up in her duties at the Homeopathic Hospital, and alter a successful course left that institution a duly qualified nurse, and served in that capacity in many homes of suffering. When suddenly she received an urgent
call to return to her home, where her skilful services were required to nurse her loved ones back to life, you can all bear testimony of her skill and devotion at that particular time,
and how her efforts were rewarded by seeing the loved members of her family restored
to health and strength once again. Her inspiration came through intense pity-not the
pity of a woman who spends her feelings in tears, but the compassion of a heroine
who feels she has a mission to succour the unfortunate. Sister Hilda Know returned
to her duties in Melbourne, and when the nation called for doctors and nurses to serve
at the front, Sister Knox was amongst the first to volunteer, and eventually left these
shores in the good ship Kyarra, where she served in the great hospital at Heliopolis,
where her glorious influence was felt by all, and from thence her sterling worth and
name have been carried to all parts of the Empire. (The preacher read extracts from
letters received, including one from an officer of the 4th Light Horse, who was in a
ward at the Aus. General Hospital in Egypt. The writer spoke of Sister Knox's goodness
to himself and to others, and referred to her as being an 'angel on earth," and had
said-" We fellows used to lie and watch the door for her to come in and every man
of us loved her, and called her 'Daughter of the Regiment'
Now what comfort cat we get out of this great sacrifice; Surely we can pay our brave men and women vz done their duty. From the moment the situation became clear to them our boys and girls did not hesitate.
The Independent Friday 09 March 1917 page 2
call to return to her home, where her skilful services were required to nurse her loved ones back to life, you can all bear testimony of her skill and devotion at that particular time,
and how her efforts were rewarded by seeing the loved members of her family restored
to health and strength once again. Her inspiration came through intense pity-not the
pity of a woman who spends her feelings in tears, but the compassion of a heroine
who feels she has a mission to succour the unfortunate. Sister Hilda Know returned
to her duties in Melbourne, and when the nation called for doctors and nurses to serve
at the front, Sister Knox was amongst the first to volunteer, and eventually left these
shores in the good ship Kyarra, where she served in the great hospital at Heliopolis,
where her glorious influence was felt by all, and from thence her sterling worth and
name have been carried to all parts of the Empire. (The preacher read extracts from
letters received, including one from an officer of the 4th Light Horse, who was in a
ward at the Aus. General Hospital in Egypt. The writer spoke of Sister Knox's goodness
to himself and to others, and referred to her as being an 'angel on earth," and had
said-" We fellows used to lie and watch the door for her to come in and every man
of us loved her, and called her 'Daughter of the Regiment'
Now what comfort cat we get out of this great sacrifice; Surely we can pay our brave men and women vz done their duty. From the moment the situation became clear to them our boys and girls did not hesitate.
The Independent Friday 09 March 1917 page 2
