We Remember

Sinclair Knill

Sinclair Knill
Rank: 
Private
Regimental number: 
11378
Unit at enlistment: 
4th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
Long Beach Municipal Cemetery, California, U.S.A.
Commemorated at: 
Paris Baptist Church
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Paris, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
Paris, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
Grand River Street, Paris, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Chauffeur
Religious denominations: 
Baptist
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
29

Letters and documents

BX June 16, 1915

Canadian Veterans

PARIS, Ont., June 15 – The steadiness of Canadian troops and the big part they play in holding the British line in Northern France and in Belgium is indicated in a magnificent letter from Sinclair Knill, a Paris boy, in the “Mad Fourth” Battalion, First Contingent. He writes as follows of a recent engagement in which the remnant of the 4th participated:

Just before daylight we were sent in across an open field to support a territorial regiment. It was raining, and everybody was so worn out. We extended and walked down across the field. Although the bullets and shells were coming thick, everybody was too tired to double, and didn’t care if they did get hit. We dug ourselves in and watched the “Terriers” go up. They were all young fellows. No old soldiers to steady them, but they were very fine fellows. Even their officers were inexperienced. After they got up a way, they had a bad case of stage fright, and broke, coming back in disorder. It was a ticklish business for us, but our three remaining officers saved it by going out and rallying them. They took them up and showed them how to dig themselves in and got them spread out. They took heart, and the following day made a brilliant charge.

BX March 7, 1917

Returning Home

Sinclair Knill of Paris, a returned veteran is expected to arrive in Toronto sometime this week.

BX December 4, 1947

Sinclair Knill, Former Paris Man, Dies in California

PARIS – Word was received yesterday in Paris by Mrs. Mary Knill of the death of her son, Sinclair Knill, in Long Beach, California, on Tuesday, after a brief illness in his 63rd year.

Born in Falkland, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Knill, deceased was very well-known in Paris as he lived here until 23 years ago, when he took up residence in California.

Mr. Knill was a veteran of World War One, and served with the original Fourth Battalion.  He was gassed in the Second Battle of Ypres.

He acted as secretary for some years of the Great War Veterans’ Association in Paris, which preceded the Legion.  A life member of St. John’s Lodge, A.F. and A.M., Paris, he was also a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine in Los Angeles.

Surviving relatives include his mother, Mrs. Mary Knill, Paris, one son, Jack, Long Beach, a daughter, Miss Holly Jane Knill, Long Beach, two brothers, George Knill, Los Angles, and Jack Knill, Paris, and one sister, Mrs. W.S. Brooks, Brantford Township, Funeral services will be conducted in Long Beach, California.

Continue your search

Go back to WWI records search