Knight, Robert Irwin

Lieutenant Robert Irwin Knight (known as Irwin)

Knight was born at 'Tievemore', Glenburn Park, Belfast on 22nd November 1914 of Castle Park, Belfast to John Radcliffe Knight, Cashier and Mary Lindsay Knight nee Armstrong. They had married on 25th April 1906 at Clifton Street Presbyterian Church. 

In 1911 the parents lived in house 49, Rosemount Gardens, Belfast with their daughter, Hannah Florence (0) and Mary's mother, Hannah Armstrong.

Following his education at Belfast Royal Academy, Knight joined Northern Bank at Head Office on 1st March 1935. He worked in various branches including Fivemiletown, Lisburn and Downpatrick.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Fivemiletown branch

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Whilst in Fivemiletown, Knight was appointed Assistant Secretary of Fivemiletown Golf Club.

On 3rd May 1939 Knight volunteered at the YMCA, Belfast and enlisted into the 8th Heavy Anti Aircraft (HAA) Regiment, Royal Artillery with Service Number 1463058

R I Knight - Royal Artillery Service Number Record
(Courtesy of Find My Past)

On 25th August 1939 he was ‘Called up on Active Service' into the 21st Battery. His rank and promotions are recorded as Gunner, Lance Sergeant and Sergeant. 

Officer Cadet Knight was commissioned on 27th September 1941 with the London Gazette Supplement of 10th October 1941 recording his commissioning as 2nd Lieutenant with Service Number 207997. 

Following the end of the war, Knight resigned from the bank on 19th December 1945.

On being discharged from the army on 23rd February 1946, he was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant.

The Londonderry Sentinel of 19th October 1946 reports Knight, Belfast Royal Academy as being awarded £5 for passing a recent examination.

 
The London Gazette Supplement of 11th June 1948 reports Knight as being awarded the Efficiency Medal (Militia).

The Electoral Roll of 2002-05 records Knight as living at 23, Newry Road, Banbridge.

1923 saw a book of Knight's wartime diary being published with the title 'Knight Errant - A Bank Clerk Goes to War':

ISBN: 9-781399-966061