The Times/1904/Obituary/William Wallingford Knollys

We regret to announce the death on Friday at Perhamhouse, West Kensington, of Colonel W. W. Knollys, a well-known soldier and a writer on military subjects.

William Wallingford Knollys was born on November 13, 1833, and was the eldest son of the late General Sir William Thomas Knollys, sometime colonel of the Scots Guards and Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, by his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of the late Sir John Aubyn. He was educated at Sandhurst, and obtained a commission in the 84th Regiment, being transferred almost immediately to the Scots Guards. After four years in the Army he received a double step, being promoted lieutenant and captain in 1854. A chance of active service followed almost at once, for he took part in the Crimean war, being present at the siege of Sevastopol. In recognition of his services during the campaign he received the Crimean medal with two clasps, as well as the Turkish medal. During the Mutiny he was in India, though circumstances prevented him from taking an part in its suppression. On returning to England he passed into the Staff College, and, after graduating there, served as aide-de-camp to the lieutenant-general commanding at Aldershot. Having exchanged into the 93rd Highlanders in 1858, he returned to India, and, after passing the higher standard in Hindustani, served in the Quartermaster-General's Department, first at Morar, and afterwards at Umballa. In 1870 he came back to England, and was appointed garrison instructor for London and the Home District. Having received his brevet majority in 1868, he rejoined his regiment as full major in 1873 and served with it at Aldershot, Woolwich, and Shorncliffe. Five years later he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the 83rd Highlanders, and served at the Curragh with them until he retired on half-pay in 1879. His retirement with the honorary rank of colonel dates from December 5, 1883.

Colonel Knollys' activities were not confined to his military duties; for he was the author of numerous books including biographical works on Field-Marshal Lord Combermere and Lord Cochrane, a technical account of field fortification, and at least one novel. He was also a contributor to leading newspapers and reviews, acting frequently as a military correspondent of The times, and contributing several articles to the Edinburgh Review. In 1897, on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, he was one of the three founders of the Distressed Gentlefolk's Aid Association, and he was chairman of the committee until his death. his philanthropic work also included the duties of registrar of the League of Mercy and secretary of the Alexandra Trust. Colonel Knollys, who was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, married Sophia Elizabeth Tuckfield, oldest daughter of the late Thomas Goldsworthy, and sister of the late Sir Roger Goldsworthy, by whom he leaves two sons and a daughter, the elder son being Captain R. W. E. Knollys, of the Indian Army. Like his father before him, Colonel Knollys believed himself heir to the earldom of Banbury, to which no claimant has proved his title for more than two centuries. Lord Knollys, the King's private secretary, is Colonel Knolly's [sic] younger brother.

The hour of the funeral, which will take place tomorrow at Brompton Cemetery, is 11 30, and not as previously announced.