Private Thomas Sidney Knapp

Army Number : 7430

Battalion : Depot Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Born at Leicester and lived at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Son of Thomas and Mary Knapp. Husband of Lillie Knapp, of 33, Fisher Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. He was a bricklayer prior to enlisting 18th September 1914 at Mansfield. He died from pneumonia, 22nd March 1915, aged 33, contracted whilst on 2 days leave and visiting his seriously ill child.

“DIED WHILE ON LEAVE.

“WOUNDED SOLDIERS HONOUR A COMRADE AT MANSFIELD.

“A Mansfield soldier. Private T. S. Knapp, of 33, Fisher-lane, who is attached to the Notts. and Derby Regiment, has died under exceptionally sad circumstances. He had two days’ leave last week and in order to his child who is lying dangerously ill with pneumonia. He was due to return to the depot at Derby on Monday, but as he was suffering from a severe cold, he obtained extra leave. On Tuesday he contracted pneumonia himself, and died in a few hours. The deceased, who served with the Yeomanry in the South African war, leaves a widow and a young family.

“The funeral took place at the Mansfield Cemetery on Friday afternoon, when six soldiers from Derby. under Sergt. Clarke (Mansfield, but who is now at the Derby military depot), attended as a bearer party, and four men also followed the remains. Most of the soldiers had seen active service in the present war with the deceased man’s regiment, and have been wounded. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, bore the following inscription: “Thomas Knapp. At Rest, March 23rd, 1915. Aged 33 years.” [1]

He was the 33 year-old husband of Lillie Knapp, of 33 Fisher Lane, Mansfield.

[1] ‘Mansfield Reporter & Sutton Times,’ 2nd April 1915.

Buried Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery, United Kingdom. C. 17626.