MILITARY HISTORY
Private Muriland Oliver Knott – C 123087 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War II)
Muriland Oliver was 19 years, 4 days old when, as a single man, he completed the Attestation Paper for the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) December 1, 1943 at No 3A District Depot, Kingston Ontario for the duration of the War. Muriland Oliver, a North American Native Indian, resided at Curve Lake, Ontario; stated that he was born at Curve Lake, Ontario November 29, 1924# and indicate that he had no previous military experience. Muriland Oliver completed Grade 7 at the Curve Lake School; he was fluent in English and Ojibwe. His occupation was listed as a Labourer, Muriland Oliver was employed at the Canadian General Electric Company in Peterborough, Ontario for 4 months. At the time he was 5′ 5½” tall, weighed 116 pounds, brown eyes and dark brown hair; he was the 3rd of 7 children. His next-of-kin was his mother, Mrs. Margaret Knott of Curve Lake, his father is Allan Knott. Muriland Oliver entered the Service as a Private (Pte) and was assigned Service Number C 123087. # the correct date may be 1926.
On December 1, 1943 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength to No 3A District Depot (DD) , Kingston Ontario. After a month of Basic Training, on December 31, 1943, he was struck-off-strength from No 3A DD, Kingston on transfer to No 31 Canadian Infantry (Basic) Training Centre [CI(B)TC] at Cornwall, Ontario. Then, on January 1, 1944 he was taken-on-strength to CI(B)TC for all purposes (fap). A Personnel Selection Record, dated February 10, 1944, indicated that Pte Knott was suitable for extended training during Basic Training. He was making better than average progress with the 10-week Basic Training; adjusting well to the Army life.
On March 10, 1944, after 2 months and 10 days of Basic Training at Cornwall, Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from No 31 CI(B)TC and transferred to A-29, the Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) at Ipperwash, Ontario fap. March 11, 1944 he was taken-on-strength with CITC and posted to No 5 Company. March 30, 1944 Pte Knott injured his leg going over an Obstacle Course Wall and was admitted to the Ipperwash Military Hospital, Camp Ipperwash, Ontario. On April 1, 1944 Pte Knott was granted an increased rate of pay of $1.40 per diem. He was discharged from the Ipperwash Military Hospital on April 2, 1944.
May 2, 1944 Captain N. Muir (Army Examiner) indicated that additions were made at A-29 Canadian Infantry Corps Training Centre (CICTC) at the end of the 8th week at Advanced Training (AT). On May 6, 1944 Pte Knott was granted a Furlough and Embarkation Leave and Allowances of $0.50 per diem in lieu of rations to May 20, 1944. He was also issued with a Special Transport Warrant No A.677130.
May 15, 1944 at A-29 CICTC, Camp Ipperwash, Pte Knott was deemed suitable for Overseas (O/S) duty in the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) [Operational] as a non-tradesman. On May 27, 1944 he was struck-off-strength from A-29, Camp Ipperwash and he was taken-on-strength to No1 Transit Camp at Windsor, Nova Scotia on May 28, 1944. June 1, 1944 Pte Knott received a pay increase to $1.50. June 3, 1944 Pte Knott was he was struck-off-strength from the Canadian Army – Canada (Can) on embarkation to the United Kingdom (UK). Although not stated in his records he probably embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia. June 4, 1944 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength with the Canadian Army O/S and also with the No 2 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit from No 1 Transit. On June 6, 1944 he was transferred to Serial 294 A from No1 Transit. June 10, 1944 Pte Knott was disembarked at England and on June 11, 1944 taken-on-strength with Serial 294 A and reported for duty.
NOTE: There were no ships mentioned in Pte Knott’s File.
July 6, 1944 Pte Knott was cleared for Allied Armies in Italy and struck-off-strength from No 2 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) to Ex Ukit 2 on proceeding on attachment fap to No 3 CIRU with effect from (wef) July 7, 1944. July 16, 1944 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength to CTBA fap from Ex UKit 2. July 16, 1944 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the Canadian Army (UK) [CA (UK)] on embarkation to the Canadian Army – Central Mediterranean Force (CMF). July 17, 1944 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength to the CA (CMF) with the Allied Armies in Italy (AAI). He embarked the UK about July 18, 1944 and on July 29, 1944 he disembarked at Italy and was taken-on-strength with the X-4 List* (3rd Battalion) [Bn] Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR).
August 17, 1944 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength No 3 CIRU to the X-4 List 4th Bn RCR. August 28, 1944 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the X-4 List to the 4th Bn RCR and August 29, 1944 he was taken-on-strength with the RCR. September 3, 1944 Pte Knott was wounded; September 4, 1944 he was admitted to the No 1 Canadian General Hospital (CGH) and taken-on-strength with the X-3 List** from the RCR. September 9, 1944 he was transferred to the No 48 General Hospital. After 29 days, on October 2, 1944, Pte Knott was discharged from No 48 General Hospital. On November 3, 1944 Pte Knott was admitted to the No 5 CGH and was discharged on November 11, 1944 and was struck-off-strength from the X-3 List to the X-4 List, 3rd Bn RCR. November 17, 1944 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength to the X-4 List, 3rd Bn RCR. November 23, 1944 he was struck-off-strength from the X-4 List to the RCR and taken-on-strength November 24, 1944.
* The X-4 List is for unposted reinforcements in the theatre of War belonging to the Unit or Corps.
** The X-3 List is for all ranks evacuated on medical grounds behind Regimental Aid Posts.
NOTE: Muriland Oliver’s son, Eric Knott, provided the following about his father’s wound: The entry wound was in the lower calf (left leg) and exited the heel. The sole of the boot was taken off by the force of the bullet. The wound occurred at Rimini Province, Italy during an Airfield attack.
Telegrams received by Pte Knott’s mother, Mrs. Margaret Knott.
Canadian Pacific Telegraphs
Casualty (Report Delivery) In part Ottawa 11th September 1944
Mrs. Margaret Knott
Curve Lake Ontario
Minister of National Defence sincerely regrets to inform you C 123087 Private Muriland Oliver Knott has been officially reported slightly wounded in action third September 1944. Nature of wounds not yet available.
Canadian Pacific Telegraphs
Casualty (Report Delivery) In part Ottawa 28 September 1944
Mrs. Margaret Knott
Curve Lake Ontario
March 8, 1945 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from CA Central Mediterranean Force (CMF) on embarkation Italy. On March 9, 1945 he disembarked at France. For the next 3 months there are no records in Pte Knott’s records. It is stated in a newspaper article that he fought through Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
May 8, 1945 was Victory in Europe Day, Pte Knott was in his trench in Holland when the news came out that the War for Europe was over; the battle against Japan was still to be determined. There is no record in Pte Knott’s File to indicate that he was indeed in Holland, however, he received the Holland Medal for Veterans which has “THANK YOU CANADA 1945” embossed on the gong.
On May 9, 1945 Pte Knott was granted 9 days Privilege Leave to the UK; he returned May 17, 1945. May 24, 1945 Pte Knott volunteered for the Pacific Theatre. June 6, 1945 he was struck-off-strength from the RCR to the Canadian Infantry Corps 43 Convalescent Detachment (CD), Military District (MD) No 3. On June 7 1945 Pte Knott was taken-on-strength to MD No 3.
June 9, 1945 Pte Knott embarked in NW Europe; on June 10, 1945 he disembarked in the UK. On June 11, 1945 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the RCR to No 6 Canadian Repatriation Depot (CRD), England and taken-on-strength to No 6 CRD on June 12, 1945. July 3, 1945 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the CA (O/S) and No 6 CRD. Although it is not stated in his File, he was taken-on-strength to the Canadian Army Pacific Force (CAPF) and the 2nd Bn, 1st Canadian Infantry Regiment (CIR) with the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment (H&PER). No embarkation nor disembarkation dates were given for Pte Knott’s trip back to Canada from the UK. It is estimated that he would have embarked the UK approximately September 2, 1945 and disembarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia about September 9, 1945. September 11, 1945 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from CAPF and the 2nd Bn, 1st CIR and the H&PER to A-21 CO & EME TC at Brockville, Ontario. On September 12, 1945 he was taken-on-strength to A-21 CO & EME TC at Brockville.
September 25, 1945 Pte Knott was Absent Without Leave from 0615 hours on September 17, 1945, and still absent at to 0615 hours on September 25, 1945 (8 days). He was awarded 20 days detention under Section 15 (1) AA AWL from 0615 hours September 17, 1945 to 1345 hours on October 2, 1945 (Absent 15 days, 7 hours, 30 minutes). Pte Knott was in close arrest from 1345 hours on October 2, 1945 to 0001 hours on October 12, 1945 (9 days, 10 hours, 15 minutes). He forfeited 20 day’s pay under Financial Regulations & Instructions (FR & I) 149 (1) (b); 16 day’s pay under FR & I 149 (1) (a) and 9 day’s pay under FR & I 149 (1) (c). The total forfeiture of pay is 45 days. At this time Pte Knott was with CO & EME Training Centre (TC) at Barriefield, Ontario (very close to Kingston, Ontario).
November 9, 1945 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the CO & EME# TC, Barriefield to the 7th Infantry Training Battalion (Inf Trg Bn) and was taken-on-strength to the 7th Inf Trg Bn in Peterborough on November 10, 1945. On November 23, 1945 Pte Knott was awarded 7 days Confined to Barracks (CB) and forfeited 7 day’s pay for being Absent Without Leave from 1330 hours on November 21, 1945 until 1900 hours on November 22, 1945 (1 day, 5 hours, 30 minutes). December 7, 1945 Pte Knott was granted 14 days Privilege Leave with a Ration Allowance to December 20, 1945. Then on December 22, 1945 he was granted Special Leave with Ration Allowance to December 26, 1945.
On January 23, 1946 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from the 7th Inf Trg Bn to the A-21 CO & EME TC, Barriefield. He was taken-on-strength to the A-21 CO & EME TC on January 24, 1946. Note: CO & EME# may be the Canadian Ordinance & Electrical Mechanical Engineering. February 2, 1946 Pte Knott was struck-off-strength from A-21 CO & EME TC to No 3 District Depot (DD) at Barriefield, Ontario. February 6, 1946 he was CO & EME TC taken-on-strength to No 3 District Depot (DD). February 7, 1946 Private Muriland Oliver Knott was struck-off-strength from the (CA Can) and discharged from No 3 A DD, Kingston due to demobilization. He was granted a Clothing Allowance of $100.00 and a Rehabilitation Grant. Muiland Oliver went home to Curve Lake. Muriland received the Canadian Aboriginal War Veterans Medal with “Canadian Aboriginal War Veterans” embossed on it.
Private Muriland Oliver Knott was awarded the following medals and awards:
1939 – 45 Star;
Italy Star;
France & Germany Star;
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp;
Defence Medal and
War Medal 1939 – 45.
He also qualified for the General Service Badge No 725722.
Muriland Oliver Knott served for 11 months, 3 days in Canada; 4 months in the United Kingdom; 7 months, 7 days in Italy and 3 months in France/NW Europe plus 26 days travelling. He served his Country for a total of 2 years, 2 months and 6 days.
Muriland Oliver Knott (Private, Service Number C 123087) contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs (received March 2, 1956) requesting that his medals and awards, which are not in his possession, be sent to him:
Muriland Oliver Knott; c/o Superintendent
Rice and Mud Lakes Agency
Peterborough, Ontario.
An excerpt from an article in McLean’s magazine by Barbara Amiel, September 1996:
The military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable?
PERSONAL HISTORY
MURILAND OLIVER KNOTT
Muriland Oliver Knott was born in Curve Lake, Ontario on November 29, 1924, son of Allen Knott and Margaret “Maggie” Gladys Martell. Muriland Oliver was raised in Curve Lake, he attended the rural Public School in Curve Lake; completed Grade 7 and then left School voluntarily in 1940 to work on a farm. He did farming at Curve Lake for 4 months earning $1.00 per day. Muriland Oliver had worked as a general labourer doing bush work (cutting), trapping, etc for 2 years. He spent his spare time hunting, fishing and guiding.
In 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Regiment serving in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. After returning home, he married Ila McCue, daughter of Clayton Anderson McCue and Bernice Tobico, on November 9, 1946. They made their home in Curve Lake where they raised their eight children – Stanley, Gwen, Karen, Nancy, Hannah, Darrel, Eric and Marla.
Over the years, Muriland worked as a guard at the Millbrook Penitentiary and worked on construction for Eastwood Construction as well as guiding, hunting and trapping. Muriland was a dedicated family man as well as active in his community. He enjoyed telling stories and spending quiet time fishing. Muriland passed away on July 13, 2006.
THE MURILAND OLIVER KNOTT FAMILY OF CURVE LAKE
Muriland Oliver Knott’s paternal grandparents were Hanna Taylor and William Mandamin Knott of Curve Lake. His maternal grandparents were William Martell and May Simcoe.
Muriland Oliver Knott’s parents were Allen Knott born in Curve Lake, Ontario on May 25, 1897 and Margaret “Maggie” Gladys Martell. They married on July 31, 1919 in Peterborough and made their home in Curve Lake. Allen and Maggie raised a family of seven children – Evelyn Florence, Mary Audrey, Muriland Oliver, Alma Delina, Ronald William, Donald and Ethel Knott. Allen was a WWI Veteran serving with the 57th Regiment he was engaged in bush work and was an avid trapper. Allen passed away on September 4, 1948 and Maggie died in 1987.
50th Anniversary of VE-Day Monday, May 8, 1995
Area man, 17, wounded fighting across Europe
By JOHN DRISCOLL, Examiner Staff Writer
Muriland Knott was 17 years old, five feet, five inches tall and weighed 110 pounds when he joined the Royal Cana¬dian Regiment in Peterborough in 1942. A member of the Curve Lake First Nation, Knott had never been farther away from home than Peterhorough. During the next three years, Knott fought his way through Europe with the Canadian First Division, serving in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. During those years he never experienced any prejudice from soldiers or the people in those countries, he says.”In the army we were all like brothers,” he recalls. “Everybody called me ‘young Knott’ and nobody called me ‘chief'”. It was not until he came back home to the Peterbbrough area after serving his country that he experienced prejudice, he says. “I went out looking for work in construction but as soon as they knew I was from Curve Lake, I didn’t get the job,” says Knott, now 70. Knott says this without a ttace of bitterness and adds, “I man¬aged to find steady work.”
During his time in Europe, Knott saw a lot of action and lost many friends. He recalls a night in a trench in Italy when he was firing a machine gun with another soldier resting his head on Knott’s shoul¬der. A German bullet struck the other man down, missing Knott by inches. He was wounded in the foot by a sniper’s bullet in Italy and crawled into a culvert with artillery and mortar shells bursting all around him. Picked up by Red Cross workers he says “the next thing I remember is wak¬ing up in an airplane with so many wounded on both sides of me.”
He was out of action for six weeks but returned to the Italian campaign. “The War was horrible but I liked the Army,” he says. “My father, Allan Knott, served in the First World War and talked of his travels and I wanted to travel too.
His Service Medals are evidence that Knott (Muriland) was a good soldier and there is other evidence that he was handy with a rifle. On one occasions, he remembers being pulled out or the Front-Lines to serve as a guard for a visiting General. In 1946 Knott, still in the Army, was chosen a member of the honour guard at the funeral of Canada’s Govenor General, the Earl of Athalone. “He’s still handy with a gun,” says his son. “You should see him on the duck hunt.”
Knott recalls that he first thought the Germans would look distinctly dif¬ferent from North Americans. “I was surprised when I finally saw one up close and he looked just like we do.”
Knott landed in Italy in 1943 and served on the Front-Lines up to the Po Valley before Canadian troops were pulled out and sent to France, then Belgium and Holland. “The people in Holland and Belgium treated us like family,” he says.
The last trench Knott dug was in a farmer’s field near a haystack. “I remember that last trench well. The Dutch farmer came out and told us the War was going to he over soon but we kept our heads down all the same.” “We were still on guard when an officer told us the War was over.” Knott did not have much time to celebrate the end of the War in Holland, May 5, 1945. Because of the amount of time he had served on the Front-Lines, he was immediately sent to England, on leave. “I do remember the party was in full swing in England,” he says. When he came back to Holland, Knott volunteered to go to Japan and was sent back to Canada in July of 1945. He would turn 20 years old in the fall of that year.
