Remembering the fallen

One hundred and one years ago today, the Post Office Rifles, made up of around 12,000 General Post Office employees, fought to capture a portion of Menin Road Ridge, known as Wurst Farm.

Although the battle was recognised as a success for the British Army, the Post Office Rifles lost more than half their fighting force.

One of the prominent individuals in this battle was Sergeant Alfred Knight, from the Engineers Department of the Post Office. Knight had joined the Post Office Rifles at the outbreak of World War One and he served throughout the war along with other Post Office volunteers.

After his platoon came under heavy machine-gun fire, Sergeant Knight rushed through his own barrage and captured the enemy position single-handedly. Following heavy casualties sustained by the officers in his platoon that day, Sergeant Knight took command of all the men in his own platoon as well as the platoons without officers. His energy in consolidating and reorganising was untiring.

In recognition of his bravery and leadership, Sergeant Knight was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest British decoration for gallantry. To this day, Sergeant Knight is the only Post Office rifleman to have achieved this high honour.

As we approach the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One, we are remembering all those who served during the First World War and in conflicts ever since.  People who would like to remember former colleagues can request support from the business to hold services for Remembrance Day.

We can provide a wreath, along with a suggested agenda and some readings for a memorial service at your unit. Please email the community team at community@royalmail.com for more information.