William's Story.
EARLY LIFE
William Kniveton was born on 19 July 1898, the son of Priscilla (née Pownall) and Samuel Kniveton. In 1901, two-year-old Willie was living at 35 Bank Street, Macclesfield with his mother and siblings Maria (15), Charles (14), Florry (10) and Sarah Ann (8). His father was not at home on census night.
By 1911 the family had moved to 35 Waterside and included two more children, Priscilla (7) and Annie (4). William's father was out of work and twelve-year-old William was working 'half time' as a printer, the rest of the time attending school. William was educated at Sutton St George Branch (London Road) School.
WW1 SERVICE
William enlisted in early 1915 and was probably drafted overseas in 1916. William was initially reported missing and was later assumed to have been killed in action on 30 November 1917.
COMMEMORATION
Rifleman William Kniveton has no known grave and is commemorated on panel ref. 4 on the Cambrai Memorial, France.
In Macclesfield, Rifleman William Kniveton is commemorated on the Park Green and Town Hall war memorials.
NOTES
Brother of Charles Kniveton, who served with the Cheshire Regiment with service number 290560 and survived the war.
SOURCES
Brother of Charles Kniveton, who served with the Cheshire Regiment with service number 290560 and survived the war.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births, Marriages
Census (England & Wales): 1901, 1911
Soldiers Died in the Great War (Find My Past)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Lives of the First World War website
Macclesfield Times: 30 April 1915
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.