William Robert KNIBBS\Florence Elizabeth P HEARSON

William Robert KNIBBS, son of Joseph William KNIBBS and Alice May Margaret SMITH , was born 07 September 1902 in Poplar, London, Middlesex, England. He married Florence Elizabeth P HEARSON October December, 1928 in Poplar District, London, Middlesex, England. He died January March, 1969 in Poplar District, London, England. Florence Elizabeth P HEARSON was born 10 December 1900 in Poplar District, London, Middlesex, England. She died UNKNOWN.

Notes for William Robert KNIBBS:

Birth: 07 September 1902 in Poplar, London, Middlesex, England.
Death: January March, 1969 in Poplar District, London, England.
Occupation: Soldier, Rifleman, Rifle Brigade, British Army September, 2023 26 November 1919
Occupation: Fire Fighter 1939 1945

William enlisted for the army but after joining, it was found that he had an enlarged heart with systolic aortic murmur. He was unable to complete the training and it was considered he was unlikely to become an efficient soldier, so he was medically discharged.
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We see William in 1939 living at 206 Fire Station AFS Macquarie Way, Poplar, London:
William R Knibbs 07 Sep 1902 General Labourer Married

As the political climate intensified in Europe during the late 1930s, an Act of Parliament was passed to authorise the formation of a voluntary fire service. The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) formed in January 1938 and fire stations were set up in schools, garages and factories.
I suspect that William was an active member of the Auxiliary Fire Service at the time. He was one of 174 individuals who were listed as residing at the Macquarie Way Auxiliary Fire Station at the time the 1939 Register was taken.
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Our gratitude goes to the members and volunteers at Find A Grave web site for recording the details, in memory of William.

Sources for William Robert KNIBBS:

Personal Contact with Marina Pauline Knibbs,
Ancestry.com, England & Wales, Death Index: 1837-1983
1911 British Census,
Military Record, gave date of birth

Florence was living at 4 Steward Street, Poplar, London, Middlesex in 1901:
Alexander Hearson Head Mar 32 Fireman Afloat Unknown Place of Birth
Harriet Hearson Wife Mar 26 London Poplar
John Hearson Son 5 London Poplar
Harry Hearson Son 3 London Poplar
Florence Hearson 5mo London Poplar
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In 1911, her family were living at 23 Stewarts St., Cubitt Town, Poplar, London:
Alexander Hearson Head Mar 41 General Labourer Isle of Dogs
Harriet Hearson Wife Mar (14 years) 356 Isle of Dogs
John Hearson Son 14 Isle of Dogs
Harry Hearson Son 12 Isle of Dogs
Florry Hearson Daur 98 Isle of Dogs
Alexander Hearson Son 4 Isle of Dogs
Emily Hearson Daur 2 Isle of Dogs
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Florence married William Knibbs in 1928.
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I think this is Florence we see in 1939 at Hoppickers Encampment, Hononton Farm, Tonbridge, Kent. I'm assuming, by the address given, she was hop picking at the time so temporarily living away from William:
Florence Knibbs 10 Nov 1900 Household Duties Married