Thomas Knapp
Thomas Knapp was born in Athens, Ontario in 1926 to Morton and Addie Knapp and was the youngest of 5 children. He grew up extremely poor after the death of his father when he was only 2. He went to elementary school at Lake Elodia school house; in 8th grade he started working and did not attend high school. He worked at a milk company in Brockville as his first job. He first tried to join the military at 17 but was caught and sent home. When he turned 18 in March of 1943, he enlisted and was sent overseas. He was a part of the Algonquin regiment and served mainly in The Netherlands. Approximately 12 or more months later he developed bleeding ulcers, so he was transported from The Netherlands to a hospital in England. There he got 2/3rds of his stomach removed and was sent home from the war. Thomas was able to make a good recovery after spending multiple weeks in Kingston General Hospital. He went on to marry Lois Crummy in 1946. They bought a small house in the Lake Elodia area. They later purchased a farm on Lake Elodia where they lived for the rest of their lives. They had a big, beautiful family, raising 4 sons and 5 daughters. Thomas farmed and worked at Automatic Electric. He also loved gardening, taking pride in growing and selling many potatoes. He passed his love for gardening on to his children. In 1997, at the age of 71 he passed away.
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Written by A.D.H.S. history student Lovina Irvine (family member)
Thomas Knapp WWII Medals
Thomas Knapp received four medals during his two years of service in the Second World War. Shown left to right is the 1939-1945 star, the France and Germany star, 1939-1945 Canadian Voluntary Service Medal and the 1939-1945 war medal. Unfortunately, the medals have not been very well kept so they are a bit dirty and tarnished.
1939-1945 Star
Description: six-pointed gold star with a navy blue, red and light blue ribbon.
Eligibility criteria: To be awarded this medal a solider had to have completed six months of service with the army or navy. They could also get this medal for serving two months with the active air crew.
The France and Germany Star
Description: Six-pointed gold star, on the front is an engraving of a crown on the top, the royal and imperial cypher and in a circle around everything are the words “The France and Germany star.” The attaching ribbon is equal parts blue, white, red, white and blue.
Eligibility criteria: Awarded to those who served in either France, Belgium, Holland and Germany between June 6 , 1944 (D-Day) and May 8th, 1945, for a minimum of one day.
1939-1945 Canadian Voluntary Service Medal
Description: Circular silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. On the front of the medal is a image of men and women who served (Nurses, Navy, Air force and Army) marching. Engraved around the picture are the words “1939 CANADA 1945 VOLUNTARY SERVICE VOULANTIRE.” The ribbon attached to the medal has stripes of green, red, blue, red and green.
Eligibility criteria: This medal was given to anyone who volunteered for active service of any rank in the military, naval or air forces of Canada. They had to have completed a minimum of 18 months of service to get this medal. In 2003 this medal was also awarded to RCMP officers that volunteered to serve in the Second World War.
1939-1945 War Medal
Description: This medal is circle and made of silver. It is 1.42 inches in diameter and has a picture on the front of King George VI. Engraved around the rim of the medal are the words “GEORGIS VI D: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE: IMP:
Eligibility criteria: This medal was awarded to those who served in the Armed forces or merchant navy for 28 days or more. If they were a part of the merchant navy, the 28 days had to be served at sea.