BellBoard

The bells of this Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas were rung today as part of “Ringing to Remember” – the Durham & Newcastle Association of Church Bellringers First World War ringing commemoration. On the 28th. May 1915 a bellringer from Christ Church, North Shields died. We are ringing to celebrate his life and the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

Master Mariner, George L. Knott

George Knott was Captain of the SS Spennymoor a 2,733grt British Navy Collier. The vessel was on her maiden voyage carrying pit props for the war effort to Cardiff destined for Welsh coal mines. South of Dartmouth, she was brought to by Submarine UC41 and shelled on the surface. Two lifeboats were launched one of which foundered with the loss of five lives including the Master.

George Knott – we have remembered you

George Knott was a bellringer and chorister at Christ Church, North Shields.

A memorial window, the gift of his Widow and the work of Thompson and Snee of Gateshead, commemorates him. It is one of the upper lights on the North side of the church. In the centre is represented King David the psalmist, and in addition to the necessary inscription the window bears the words "The sea is His," "And underneath are the everlasting arms."

George is also remembered at - The Tower Hill Mercantile Marine Memorial which commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave. It stands on the South side of the garden of Trinity Square, London, close to The Tower of London; at the Lindisfarne Masonic Lodge in North Shields and on the Masonic Roll of Honour at the Freemasons Hall in London. George Knott is not on any bellringers memorials as he was not previously known about.