MR. F. C. KNIGHTON
Taken from the Isle of Wight County Press December 21st 1935:
Award of Silver Acorn
Captain Pound said the Island Scout Association had reason to pride themselves on the distinctions gained during the year. The Freshwater Rovers had been commended by Headquarters on their magnificent work in running a fire brigade. Wolf Cub Corbett, of Totland, had received the Silver Cross for saving a girl from drowning and they had the excellent award which had been presented that evening. He had very great pleasure in announcing another very distinguished award, which could have been no better earned or more thoroughly justified. It was the award of the Silver Acorn, one of the highest awards for Scout officers, which ha d been granted to Mr. F. C. Knighton, the Island Secretary, for many years of devoted service to the movement (applause). In the concert popular vocal solos were rendered by Miss Taylor, M. C. Westrip, and Mr. F. Fowler, the accompaniments being played by Miss Phyllis Sheath and G.S.M. L. Dunkinson. O.M.C. Mabey gave clever monologues and D.S.M. Jeffery an entertaining conjuring turn. Outstanding features were the sketches by the 2nd Sandown Sea Scouts, 3rd Sandown (Christ Church) Scouts, and 1st Shanklin Scouts.
Taken from the Isle of Wight County Press September 5th 1936:
THE DEATH OF F. C. KNIGHTON, A SPLENDID SCOUT AND CHURCH WORKER.
The Scout movement and the Church life of the Island have sustained a very real loss by the death of Mr. Francis Charles Knighton, which occurred at the Broadway, Sandown, on Thursday morning, at the age of 50 years. For a long time Mr. Knighton had suffered with the greatest possible patience and fortitude, and while his passing is a relief to himself and to his mother and sister, who had nursed him so devotedly, it marks the close of a life, a large part of which had been most unselfishly lived for others.
Mr. Knighton was born at Kew, Surrey, and was educated at a preparatory school at Southbourne and at Aldenham School. He entered his father's office in the estate agency business of Messrs Elsworth and Knighton, South Kensington, and eventually qualified as an estate agent and as a Fellow of the Auctioneers' and Estate Agents Institute.
In 1915 he. joined up in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, but owing to his health was not accepted for Service abroad. He was demobilized with the rank of Captain in 1918 and received from his commanding officer a warm commendation for untiring services to his regiment. His brother, Major G. G. Knighton, who was also in the Oxford and Bucka Light Infantry and who was mentioned in dispatches, was killed in action at the Battle of Arras in 1917.
After the war the health of Mr. Frank Knighton would not permit of his continued residence in London, he came to reside with his parents who had retired to Shoreside on Shanklin Esplanade. Previous to taking up permanent residence in the Island, the Knighton family had been regular visitors to Shanklin. Mr. Frank Knighton and his brother had taken a prominent part in the local regatta. Mr. Knighton was also a good hockey player and was a former member of the Ealing Hockey Club. After taking up residence in Shanklin Mr. Knighton became a very active worker in support of St. Saviour's Church, Shanklin. For some years he discharged the duties of hon. secretary to the Parochial Church Council with exemplary thoroughness and efficiency, was a sidesman for many years, and also represented the parish on the Diocesan Conference.
On settling in the Island Mr. Knighton entered whole heatedly into the Scout Association. He founded the Shanklin Sea Scouts and did invaluable work as Secretary of the Island Scout’s Association and as deputy camp chief, offices which he held until the time of his death. He was also assistant district commissioner for the South-East Wight. He was a recognised authority on Scouting and had lectured at the Scouts' Headquarters at Gilwell and at the Hampshire Training Centre at Hattingley. He was recently presented with the Silver Acorn, one of the highest of Scout awards, for his services to the movement. He was known personally to the Chief of Scouts, Baden-Powell, who a little while ago addressed to him a letter offering congratulation and thanks "for all that you have done for the movement for so long." The letter continued: "It must be a very real satisfaction to you to know that you have been the means of helping so many of our lads to get a right start in life and to become happy, healthy, and useful Citizens instead of drifting into becoming waste human material. I know that Scouters do not look for thanks or reward, but your conscience must tell you that you have done a big and useful work for your country and fellow men. For this I thank and congratulate you and send you my warmest good wishes and sympathy in your illness."
The funeral service will take place at St. Saviour's Church, Shanklin, on Monday at 2.30 p.m. Scouts are asked to attend in uniform, parading outside the church at 2.16 p.m.