Tributes paid to war veteran, 89

Tributes were today paid to a war veteran who died just a month after his 90th birthday.

Arthur Knowles served with the South Staffordshire Regiment's Home Guard during the Second World War and was a member of Wednesbury Royal British Legion for 60 years. The grandfather-of-three had been ill for some time.

Mr Knowles joined the regiment at the age of 19 and was a Bevin Boy.

He was also part of the Auxiliary Fire Service, a job he enjoyed so much he worked part-time in the company fire brigade at nuts and bolts firm, Charles Richards and Son Ltd in Darlaston, where he was a machinist, until the 1960s.

Mr Knowles, of Wellcroft Street, in Wednesbury, also worked for a number of manufacturers including Bescot Drop Forgings.

The father-of-one met his wife Martha at a bonfire party to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI. Mrs Knowles died two years ago and this year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mr Knowles was secretary and treasurer of the AEU union and in 1988, received a 30-year service award of merit. His son Peter, aged 59, of Great Bridge Road, said: "I remember him doing his rounds on a Sunday. He would go and visit those who had been off sick or had any ongoing problems.

"The Poppy Appeal was his passion. He was everybody's friend – he would always talk and chat to people and was interested in them. He would listen to what people had to say and wanted to help them the best he could. He was just loved by everyone."

Wednesbury Royal British Legion club secretary Linda Holl described Mr Knowles as a "much respected and highly regarded" member of the club. "He will be sorely missed by all members, friends and associates."

Mr Knowles died on December 21 in Sandwell Hospital. His funeral took place on Friday.