Our Heroes

Born in Haywards Heath, Sussex, England, on June 26, 1886, Arthur George Knight made his home in Canada, where he worked as a carpenter. In 1914, he enlisted with the 10th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, answering the call to serve during the First World War.

On September 2, 1918, at Villers-lès-Cagnicourt, France, Acting Sergeant Knight demonstrated extraordinary courage while leading a bombing section forward. When enemy fire halted its advance, he went ahead alone, overcoming machine-gun and trench-mortar positions with his bayonet. He then brought a Lewis gun crew forward and directed its fire as the enemy withdrew.

During the pursuit, Knight saw approximately thirty enemy soldiers enter a tunnel. Advancing alone once more, he killed an officer and two non-commissioned officers and captured twenty prisoners. He subsequently routed another enemy party before being fatally wounded.

For his exceptional bravery and devotion to duty, Knight was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for military valour available to Canadian soldiers at the time.

Sergeant Knight rests at Dominion Cemetery in France. His Victoria Cross became part of the Glenbow Museum’s collection in Calgary, preserving a tangible connection to his remarkable service.

We honour Sergeant Arthur George Knight for his selfless courage, leadership, and sacrifice. His story holds an enduring place in the history of the 10th Battalion and in Canada’s remembrance of those who gave their lives.

Lest we forget.