Birmingham ww1 hero remembered

[Lorac]

Apologies if already mentioned.

Another snippet taken from The Birmingham Evening Mail.

City street tribute to war hero. Nov 9 2006

ONE of Birmingham's bravest First World War heroes is to be remembered forever when his name paves the way for a new city housing development.

Alfred Knight, who died in 1960 at the age of 72, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on the assault on Ypres in France.

The jovial sergeant, later dubbed "the jolly VC", thanked a book in his pocket, a photograph case and a cigarette case for deflecting the German bullets.

He was also honoured with a civic reception in Birmingham and his medals are on display at the National Postal Museum.

To those honours another will be added today with the opening of Alfred Knight Way, the first new road of the Park Central residential development.

On completion the scheme, the result of a partnership between developer Crest Nicholson and joint landowners Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association, will feature 1,600 apartments and 200 freehold houses.

Ladywood-born Mr Knight, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in December 1917 by King George V for his exceptional role and bravery, was chosen for his strong links with the area.

His grand-daughter, 51-year-old Anne Walsh, a civil servant from Harborne, said her family were delighted with the news.

"It was quite a surprise when I first heard but I thought it was an excellent idea," he said. "It is one way of highlighting not just what he did but what all the men with him did during the war. I think this would be something my mother would have liked.

"I think my grandfather would have gone along with it but I think he would have been very quick to deflect the attention to the other men. He was a modest man.

"We were all aware of the regeneration of the area as our family all live in this area and my grandfather lived here for much of his life.

"We are thrilled that his actions and integrity in the First World War are being acknowledged in this way. We also hope that this naming ceremony will act as a reminder for many to remember the thousands of men who have lost their lives at war."

Regards

Lorac

[Staffsyeoman]

I'm utterly delighted. I was at school (St Philip's Grammar, Edgbaston, if anyone's interested, or even WENT THERE!) with his grandson, Paul - Anne's brother - and wrote an article about him (Alfred, not Paul!) for the School Magazine in 1979. No more than his due. He was commemorated by the Post Office in Birmingham, but this has given me the biggest smile of the week.

Leaves out the fact that he was decorated again in WW2; MBE (Civil)

[Lorac]

Glad to have made your day Staffsyeoman and long may he be remembered, he certainly deserves it, as do they all.

Lorac

[acwalsh]

I'm utterly delighted. I was at school (St Philip's Grammar, Edgbaston, if anyone's interested, or even WENT THERE!) with his grandson, Paul - Anne's brother - and wrote an article about him (Alfred, not Paul!) for the School Magazine in 1979. No more than his due. He was commemorated by the Post Office in Birmingham, but this has given me the biggest smile of the week.

Leaves out the fact that he was decorated again in WW2; MBE (Civil)

You should have seen the smile on my face!!!

They mentioned the MBE in the larger 'Post' article that morning in a bullet-point (appropriate that!) summary of his life. He was awarded that in 1951 for his work in the Civil Service.

Here's a photo of the unveiling - I'm on the left, proudly holding the VC as we unveiled the road sign, with my cousin Michael at the other end.

Thanks for posting this about him

Anne Walsh

(Very proud grand-daughter)

[Lorac]

Hi Anne,

Thankyou for the photo. A lovely tribute to a very deserving man.

Lorac