Knud Georg Petersen was born in Copenhagen 24.4.1895. His father was stoker Niels Petersen, born 12.12.1850. His mother was Sophie Kristine Amalie Petersen, born 1.2.1854.

He served in the Mercantile Marine during WWI and married Lavinia Grace Hart (Born 16.8.1899 in London), in June 1920. They had a son, Georg Niels Petersen, born in October the same year.

On 15.6.1921, Knud was awarded the British War Medal and Mercantile Marine Medal, living at 10 Ivimey Street, Bethnal Green.

In 1922 the little family lived at Moellegade 5, 3rd Floor in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Knud was working as a machinist.

In 1930, Kund lived alone at the same address - unemployed. He divorced Lavinia prior to 1930.