Private Frank William McKnight
Survivor of WW1
Service Biography
Frank William McKnight was born at Yonkers, New York, on 7 April 1898. A single farmer and Roman Catholic, he attested at Montreal on 25 November 1916 as Private 273936 with the 216th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. His service remained in Canada. In February 1917, after less than three months in uniform, he was discharged at Toronto because he was a minor and an American citizen.
General Information
Conflict:
WW1
Regimental No.:
273936
Cause of Death (in war):
Survived
Branch:
Army
Regiment:
Canadian Infantry
Battalion:
216th Overseas Battalion
Company:
Date of Birth :
Place of Birth:
Yonkers, New York, USA
Date of Enlistment:
Age at Enlistment:
18 years 1 month
Date of Discharge:
Age at Discharge:
18 years 4 months
Date of Death:
Age at Death:
Country Born:
Canada
Trade or Calling:
Farmer
Next of Kin:
Frank McKnight, father, 171 Riverside Avenue, Yonkers, New York, USA
Address at Enlistment:
171 Riverside Avenue, Yonkers, New York, USA
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Place of Enlistment:
Montreal, Quebec
Was a Prisoner of War:
No
Height:
5 ft 1.0 in / 155 cm
Weight:
118 lbs / 54 kg
Chest:
32.0 in / 81 cm
Expansion:
2.0 in / 5 cm
Marital Status:
Single
Prior Military Experience:
No
Saw Service in:
Canada
Place of Discharge:
Toronto, Ontario
Discharge Type:
Regular/End of Service
Discharge Notes:
Discharged as a minor and American citizen.
Battle Died/Wounded:
Length of Service:
86 days in service
Buried at:
Links
Ranks
| Conflict |
Rank |
Regiment |
Branch |
Unit |
Company |
Date From |
Date To |
| WW1 |
Private |
Canadian Infantry |
Army |
216th Overseas Battalion |
|
|
|
| Only substantive unit documented; service remained in Canada. |
Service Chronology
1898-04-07 — Born
1916-11-25 — Attested as Private 273936 and joined the 216th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F.
1917-01-16 — Placed on recruiting duty under D.O. 12
1917-02-15 — Returned to duty under D.O. 42
1917-02-19 — Discharged because he was a minor and an American citizen
Notes
At enlistment McKnight was recorded as a single farmer, Roman Catholic, with no previous military service. His father, Frank McKnight of 171 Riverside Avenue, Yonkers, New York, was next of kin. The medical history records a weight of 118 lb and good physical development. His attestation description records a fair complexion, greyish-brown eyes, brown hair and a slight scar on the centre of the forehead.
Additional Service Notes
Frank William McKnight attested at Montreal on 25 November 1916 as Private 273936 and joined the 216th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F. Born in Yonkers, New York, and resident there, he was an American citizen and was 18 years old. His service remained in Canada. His pay/service card records recruiting duty from 16 January 1917 under D.O. 12, followed by a return to duty on 15 February 1917 under D.O. 42. He was discharged at Toronto on 19 February 1917 because he was a minor and an American citizen.
Additional Next of Kin Notes
His father, Frank McKnight, of 171 Riverside Avenue, Yonkers, New York, USA, was recorded as next of kin.
Version: 3 Last modified: 2026-09-30 14:54:38
by: marc
