Gunner Nathaniel Knowles (1543844) served in the British Army during World War Two. He was part of 483rd Battery, 82nd Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery.
He was the son of Patrick Knowles and Jemima Knowles of 3 Serpentine Gardens, Belfast, Co. Antrim and husband of Sarah “Sadie” Knowles (née Totten) of 159 Upper Meadow Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. The couple had a son named William Knowles born in 1936 and and a daughter.
Nathaniel had sisters named SJ (Jean), Elizabeth (Lily), Violet, and Martha. He had brother named Albert Knowles and Robert Knowles. He was a member of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 658 at Greencastle, Co. Antrim.
While on active service, Nathaniel died on 27th October 1943 aged 30 years old as a result of an accident. His death was registered at Depwade, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Nathaniel Knowles’ grave is in Section AK, Grave 17 of Carnmoney Cemetery, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. His headstone bears the inscription:
Some day we’ll understand.
Gunner Knowles’ funeral took place at 1430hrs on Tuesday 2nd November 1943 from his home at 159 Upper Meadow Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper published on Monday 1st November 1943 carried many notices of the gunner’s death.
Knowles left effects of £129 5s 11d to his wife in his will, which was administered on 21st February 1944. In the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database, his forename is incorrectly given as “Nathanial”.