ERNEST SAMUEL PERCY
Born: 30th December 1895, All Saint’s, Ipswich.
Died: 30th October 1914; age 18; KiA. Served 3 years & 342 days.
Residence: 57, Sirdar Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Blacksmith’s Striker.
Enlistment Details: Location: Ipswich; Date: 23rd November 1910 – signed up for 12 years; Age: 14 years & 293 days; Religion: Baptist. Height: 5ft & 1/2ins, fresh complexion, brown eyes & light brown hair. Next of Kin: Parents – Alfred & Rachel Percy + 2 sisters – Edith Agnes & Elsie Grace, of 57, Sirdar Road, Ipswich.
Ernest’s parents, Alfred & Rachel Percy, of 57, Sirdar Road, Ipswich wrote a letter to support Ernest on his enlistment into the Army – “we do not object to our son enlisting to serve in his Majesty’s Army.”
On the 15th June 1910, Alf Shute, Overseer, for The Ancient House Press (Proprietor W.E. Harrison), wrote that “Ernest Percy had been employed in the Printing Department for 16 months, and he had the pleasure in stating that Ernest had proved himself a very honest, willing and industrious lad. He left for his own advancement.”
On the 25th August 1910, the Minister of Burlington Baptist Church, London Road, Revd. John Arthur Jones, of Cartref, Westerfield Road, Ipswich, wrote that “Ernest percy has been a scholar in our Sunday School for the past three years and bears a good character with his teacher, who has known him during that time. I have much pleasure in recommending him for the calling on which he has set his heart and trust it may be the means of making him a good man.”
On the 5th September 1910, Head Master Fred. W. Cook A.C.P., for Springfield Boys’ Council School wrote to “certify that Ernest attended this school from February 1905 until January 1909, and passed Standard V.”
Service:
Joined at Blackdown – 26th November 1910.
Appointed Drummer – 18th February 1913.
Attained the age of 18 years – 30th December 1913.
Offences:
Limerick – 28th February 1912 – Boy – Disobedience to Battalion Statutory Orders – bringing intoxicants into Barracks – 7 days Confined to Barracks.
Limerick – 1st August 1912 – Boy – I. Insubordination. II. Insubordinate Conduct – 7 days Confined to Barracks.
Limerick – 2nd June 1913 – Drummer – I. Improperly dress on Guard Mounting. II. Slackness when buglar on guard – 3 days Confined to Barracks.
Limerick – 19th March 1914 – Drummer – Having a dirty rifle – 2 days Confined to Barracks.
Ernest wounded his fingers on his right hand – 13th February 1912, at Limerick.
Date of Entry Therein: 9th September 1914.
Rank: Private/Drummer; Service Number: 9849.
Regiment: York & Lancaster Regiment, 2nd Battalion ‘E’ Coy.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 8.
Hainaut,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Alfred & Rachel Percy, of 57, Sirdar Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 14, Beaconsfield Road, Ipswich.
Ernest was 5 years old and living with his parents & sister.
Alfred Percy, 31, a Telegraph Labourer, born Ipswich.
Rachel Percy (nee Addison), 29, born Ipswich.
Ethel Agnes Percy, 3, born Ipswich.
1911 Dettingen Barracks, Blackdown, Blackdown Barracks, Farnborough, Hampshire.
Ernest was 15 years old, a Soldier ranked Boy, for the 2nd Battalion of the York & Lancaster Regiment.
Ernest was educated at Springfield Boys’ Council School, Ipswich – entered February 1905 – left January 1909, having passed Standard V.
Ernest attended Burlington Baptist Church, London Road, Ipswich. He was a scholar in their Sunday School.
Ernest’s mother, Rachel Percy, received on the 21st January 1915, Princess Mary’s Christmas Gift which was sent on the 15th January 1915. Plus a few of Ernest’s personal effects were sent too. Rachel wrote an acknowledgement of thanks: “I have received the effects and gift quite safe and wish to thank you for the same. I am Sir His Sorrowing Mother – R. Percy.”
On the 27th July 1919, Rachel received the Victory medal, in April 1921, the Clasp to the 1914 Star.
On the 11th November 1919, Rachel received Ernest’s personal effects – 3 books, miscellaneous letter, cards and photos.
Soldiers’ Effects to Rachel Percy – mother.
Ernest is also remembered on the war memorial at Burlington Baptist Church, London Road, Ipswich.
York & Lancaster Regiment, 2nd Battalion ‘E’ Coy
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