Bryant, Percy DCM

Percy was born in Ashwell on 12 March 1891, fifth son of Benjamin James and Esther (nee Huffer) Bryant. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell

Percy joined the Royal Sussex Regiment on 17 August 1914. He saw active service at Gallipoli with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force Regimental Number 1926. He later served under Regimental Number 200353 in Alexandria. He served in the Balkans, and Middle Eastern Theatres of War. Percy survived the war.

Percy was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal at Jerusalem by HRH Duke of Connaught in 1917. He was also awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on the St Mary’s Church Ashwell Roll of Honour.

Before enlisting he was a gardener for one of the brewers in Ashwell.

Frank married Rosie Annie Sinnock at Cuckfield, Sussex in 3^rd quarter 1919. They had a son, Douglas Sinnock, born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire at the end of 1920.

The 1921 census shows them in Ashwell.

The 1939 census shows them living at Franklands Village, Haywards Heath, Sussex, with Percy a gardener. His wife, Rose, is a first aider in the ARP Service of the Haywards Heath District Council.

Percy died at Cuckfield, Sussex in 3^rd quarter 1973.

Percy’s brothers Arthur, Rupert, and Sidney all survived the war and returned to Ashwell. Rupert, the second son received a shrapnel wound to his arm and was awarded a wound stripe. George, the third son, died in the Battle of the Somme on 13 November 1916. It is not known if Stanley survived the War.

Royston Crow January 1915 The Boys also had a visit from Mr Percy Bryant, another Old Boy of the school, and a Private in the 4th Sussex Regiment. He called to bid them ‘Goodbye’ prior to his going to the front. He was given a hearty send off and many were the expressions that he might come back safely.

Royston Crow 22 June 1917 Corporal Percy Bryant, son of Mr & Mrs Benjamin Bryant, in July 1915 sent to the Dardanelles, wounded, now in Palestine.