World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Royal Norfolk Regiment. At Burma on January 31, 1945, near Kangaw, Lieutenant Knowland was commanding the forward platoon positioned on a hill when Japanese force of 300 strong attacked. During the first assault Lieutenant Knowland, moved about from trench to trench distributing ammunition. He continued firing his rifle, throwing grenades at the enemy and helped evacuate the wounded men behind him. With the enemy closing in on him from only 10 yards away, he held his ground firing his machine gun killing many of the enemy until he was mortally wounded in the stemming assault. Such was the inspiration of his magnificent heroism, the rest of us platoon held the hill for twelve hours until reinforcements arrived. For gallant courage and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in April, 1945.

World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Royal Norfolk Regiment. At Burma on January 31, 1945, near Kangaw, Lieutenant Knowland was commanding the forward platoon positioned on a hill when Japanese force of 300 strong attacked. During the first assault Lieutenant Knowland, moved about from trench to trench distributing ammunition. He continued firing his rifle, throwing grenades at the enemy and helped evacuate the wounded men behind him. With the enemy closing in on him from only 10 yards away, he held his ground firing his machine gun killing many of the enemy until he was mortally wounded in the stemming assault. Such was the inspiration of his magnificent heroism, the rest of us platoon held the hill for twelve hours until reinforcements arrived. For gallant courage and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in April, 1945.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith