James McLean McKnight
James McLean McKnight (1891-1972)
1972 Obituary [1]
James McLean McKnight (Fellow) died on Jul 8. Born in 1891, he was educated at Coatbridge Technical School. He studied engineering at Glasgow University taking his BSc degree and was awarded the James Watt Gold Medal for 'Greatest Efficiency in Mechanical Engineering'. After serving an apprenticeship with Barclay, Curle and Co, shipbuilders and engineers, he left the Company to take up teaching.
Mr McKnight served in the Royal Garrison Artillery in the First World War and was awarded the Military Cross. He was Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Wednesbury Technical College from 1920 to 1936 and then moved to London where he was Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Borough Polytechnic until his retirement in 1956. He was best known for his work in technical education and during his 20 years at the Borough Polytechnic, the College expanded rapidly.