Knox, Robert Kyle (Junior)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyle Knox (Junior) MC OBE

Knox was born at 74 Antrim Road, Belfast on 19th July 1898 to Sam Wright Knox, Accountant and Grace Lucy Knox nee O'Brien. They had married on 9th September 1897 at Fahan Upper, Co. Donegal with his occupation recorded as a Banker.

In 1901, Knox (2) is living in house 11, Clifton Street, Belfast with his parents and sister, Dorothy Ann (0). The Head of Family of the house is Robert's uncle, Brian O'Brien. A visitor, Mary McCoach and 2 servants, Ellen Ken and Isabella Bond are also present.

By 1911, Knox is boarding in a school at Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin with a brother, William O'Brien Knox (9). The rest of his family are now living in house 9, Somerton Road, Belfast.

In 1901 and 1911, there is an elderly Robert Kyle Knox (63 in 1901 and recorded as a Retired Bank Director) living in 1 College Gardens, Belfast.  R K Knox (Senior) is a former Chairman of Northern Bank. 

On 15th October 1914, Knox joined Northern Bank at Head Office with his address record as Glenburn, Dunmurry.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

In the same month he volunteered and enlisted into the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 16/959. His first theatre of war is not recorded but started on 2nd October 1915.

R K Knox - Medal Index Card

Following promotions through the ranks, he was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles. He saw action at the Somme 1916, Cambrai 1917, St. Quentin 1918 and Ypres 1918. On 28th March 1918, he was injured and suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg. He also narrowly escaped being taken prisoner in the late fighting.  

The Belfast News Letter of 18th January 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 4th April 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 10th July 1918 reports:

Demobilisation came in February 1919. In addition to the Military Cross (MC),  he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

L/Sgt R K Knox - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation, Knox re-joined the Northern Bank at Lisburn on 24th March 1919 as a ‘junior’. 

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

 A transfer in May 1919 took him to Ball’s Branch until 11th January 1922 when he resigned. 

Ball's branch, Dublin

It is probable that he volunteered for further service at the start of WWII as the London Gazette records a 2nd Lieutenant R K Knox MC (with Service Number 146469) serving with the Intelligence Corps in 1940. In 1943, he was recorded as a Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel).  

He was also awarded the OBE at some time between 1943 and 1946. 

On 17th October 1946, Knox was conferred with the USA military decoration, ‘Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer’ in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. 

Military Cross (MC)

 Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

[the military version of the ribbon has an additional white vertical line]

Legion of Merit (Officer)

The Belfast Telegraph of 24th May 1965 reports the death of Lt Col R K Knox, aged 66 at Dublin.

Probate was granted to Richard Pigot and Jeremy Hughes: