Captain Henry Edward Knobel born 4 September 1871 in Burton-on-Trent, Derby England. Father Edward Knobel Residing at 32, Tavistock Square, Derby, England. Rising steadily in the ranks, Knobel became O/C of the 8th Battalion, then Staff Captain of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, and finally a special assignment as the first Official Photographer of the Canadian War Records Office (CWRO).
Above, the last photo taken by Knobel during his period as CWRO photographer. Unfortunately, Henry suffered delayed onset of PTSD, and though he tried to return to the front, he returned to Canada in 1917.
Enlistment of Private Henry Edward Knobel
Private Knobel Henry Edward Knobel enlisted at Valcartier, Quebec on 27 August 1914 with the 8th Battalion. He was 32 years old, standing 5′ 11″ tall with turning grey complexion, blue eyes, and turning grey hair, 5 years previous service with Cadet Corps.
8th Canadian Infantry Battalion
Organized in Valcartier Camp in September 1914 initially composed of recruits from Winnipeg and from the 96th Lake Superior Regt. of the Active Militia.
The 8th Battalion commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Louis J Lipsett. The unit embarked Quebec City 1 October 1914 aboard FRANCONIA, and later disembarked in England on 14 October 1914 with a strength of 47 officers, 1106 other ranks.
The 8th Battalion later disembarked in France 13 February 1915 with the 1st Canadian Division, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion.
England
Private Henry Edward Knobel promoted to Corporal and Lance/Sergeant from 10 January 1915 at Lark Hill. Proceeding overseas four months later, Knobel granted a commission with the 8th Battalion.
8th Battalion, Winnipeg Rifles, on Salisbury Plain – Bayonet Practice with bags of straw.
France
Corporal Henry Edward Knobel to be Temporary Lieutenant, 15 May 1915 with the 8th Battalion. Knobel does not hold the position for long, with the deaths of Lt Passmore, Lt Scott MC and Captain Ernest D’Harcourt McMeans on 22 May 1915, Knobel to be Temporary Captain with the 8th Battalion.
Captain Henry Edward Knobel granted seven days leave from 18 November 1915, admitted with influenza, and later discharged from Administration District Resting Station, Mt Noir, 26 November 1915.
Staff Captain
On 11 January 1916, Captain Henry Edward Knobel takes over as Staff Captain of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. Knobel, already well-acquainted with General Louis J Lipsett from his days in the 8th Battalion.
Knobel, with General Louis Lipsett, visits the trenches on 16 January 1916 to locate new defensive positions, returning again on the night of the 19th, and 22nd.
On 21 March 1916, Captain Henry Edward Knobel visited billets in Canadians Corps Reserve area around Fletre. Knobel leaves for Thieushouek on 30 March 1916, the brigade arriving the next day.
Canadian War Records Office
Canadian War Records Office photos organized and given prefixes by the CWRO.
- “HS” prefix: Historical Section
- “I” prefix: Individual portraits of Victoria Cross recipients
- “M” prefix: Miscellaneous
- “N” prefix: Navy
- “O” prefix: Official photographs
- “S” prefix: Sports
The largest of these CWRO-created prefixes the “O” prefix. It includes about 4705 images, taken between May 1916 and May 1919.
Knobel captured 478 published images in the O.1-O.510 sequence. Most of the unpublished images originally censored.
Special Duty
Captain Henry Edward Knobel to special duty, Canadian Army Corps HQ as Photographer, 11 May 1916.
Captain Henry Edward Knobel Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 15 June 1916.
On 22 June 1916 at Ouderdom, Captain Knobel took an official photograph of the 2nd CIB Staff (including himself). Knobel, rear row, second from left.
Farewell dinner to General Lipsett
Farewell dinner to General Lipsett, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 28 June 1916. Photo depicts soldiers sitting at trestle tables in camp in the open air. The commanding officer of the 2nd Brigade, Louis Lipsett, given a promotion to lead the entire 3rd Canadian Infantry Division.
On 6 August 1916, the first Canadian Official War Photographer, Captain Henry Edward Knobel photographed the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion (1st British Columbia). More than 6000 men served in the 7th Battalion which suffered 1440 killed and 3294 wounded during its 45 months on the Western Front. Members of the Battalion earned over 270 awards for gallantry, including three Victoria Crosses, the highest award for Valour in the Empire. The VCs were earned by Captain Edward Donald Bellew and Privates Michael James O’Rourke and Walter Leigh Rayfield.
Hon Lt Frederick Oscar Bovill
Hon Lt Frederick Oscar Bovill had 7 years experience with the Royal Field Artillery prior to the war, and attested with the CEF on 31 July 1916 in London, England. Reported from Overseas for duty with CWRO on 26 August 1916 as the official Canadian cinematographer. He returned from his first tour on 4 September 1916.
PTSD
Knobel granted leave to Canada from 16 August 1916, Neurasthenia (began eight months previously with attack of Trench Fever), marked tremor of hands.
Transferred to HQ, CTD, Shorncliffe on being admitted to D of E Hospital, 1 Hyde Park Place, London.
Hon Lt Frederick Oscar Bovil reported for his second tour of duty on 27 September 1916, in time for the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. He returned to England on 8 November 1916.
Examined at Port Arthur, 27 October 1916 and 26 January 1917. Leave extended to 27 January 1917, and again to 26 April 1917.
Return to England
Transferred to Manitoba Regimental Depot, Shorncliffe, 21 May 1917. His nerves shot, still having trouble sleeping, and having difficulty maintaining weight, Knobel soon returns to Canada. SoS, resigned Commission in Canada, 16 June 1917.
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