Historical information

A photo of Legatee George Knocks from his time in the Royal Navy. George Knocks was born in the UK and joined the Royal Navy in World War 1. He later migrated to Australia and joined Legacy in 1929 until his death in 1945, he left a significant bequest to Melbourne Legacy which was used to help many people.
Information from a press release in 1975 relates the story of George Knocks who joined Legacy and left a bequest that made a difference. The information was intended to be used by press and magazines etc. A longer version of the story is in the Weekly Bulletin - 29 Sept 1964 and a document prepared by Legatee Armstrong in 1965 called One Man's Legacy.
Summary: George was described as a lonely ex-seaman who migrated to Australia after the first world war. He learnt about Legacy and the work with widows and children. 'He joined up as a Legatee and from that day, the pattern of life changed greatly for George. He became absorbed in his new environment and spent most of his time with the children. The mothers found in him a rugged, but completely trustworthy friend.'
When George died on 14 April 1945 he was mourned by many Legacy friends. His left his property to four comrades, as trustees to use in continuing Legacy's work, this bequest became the George Knocks Fund. As a result, a great many people in Legacy's care were helped, in all sorts of ways.

Significance

A record of the life of a legatee.

Physical description

Sepia portrait of George Knocks in Royal Navy uniform plus an envelope initialled by Legatee Brian Armstrong.

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse of photo is printed as postcard and has handwritten 'Legatee George Knocks' in blue pen and '4/4/46' and '5193' in pencil.
Envelope has handwritten 'Legatee George Knocks / On Active Service 1914-1918' in blue pen and initialled 'JHBA' which is Legatee Brian Armstrong.