Too Light

Mr. Knox describes how he was 15 pounds under weight when he first tried to enlist.

Thompson Knox

Mr. Knox was born in Northern Ireland on November 1, 1921. At the age of 6, he and his family came to Canada and resided in Heatherdale, Prince Edward Island, where his father began farming. Mr. Knox is the second oldest from a family of three brothers and two sisters. Eager to join the army, Mr. Knox went to enlist only to be advised that he was underweight by 15 lbs., therefore, was not accepted.. Determined to join the army Mr. Knox increased his weight by 10 lbs. and tried again- this time he was accepted and became a member of the 2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 8th Battery, C Troop. He held rank as a Gunner serving as a member of the gun crew After receiving his basic training in Petawawa, Mr. Knox found himself travelling overseas on the Louis Pasture, a French luxury liner that was gutted down for carrying troops. Although this liner was carrying over 6000 troops and the soldiers were packed in like sardines, Mr. Knox recalls his trip as a very enjoyable experience. He landed in Greenock, Scotland, and it was at this time that Mr. Knox now comes to the realization that he is at war. After the war, Mr. Knox received first aid training and became employed with Maritime Electric being part of the rural electrification team for the entire Island until his retirement. He and his wife raised a family of nine children and now reside in Sherwood, P.E.I.

Medium:

Video

Owner:

Veterans Affairs Canada

Duration:

2:07

Person Interviewed:

Thompson Knox

War, Conflict or Mission:

Second World War

Location/Theatre:

Canada

Branch:

Army

Units/Ship:

2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment

Rank:

Gunner

Occupation:

Gunner

Copyright / Permission to Reproduce