Holloway, Ernest Percy

Percy was born in Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 28 June 1895, 5^th son of Henry and Susan (nee Pratt) Holloway. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.

Percy enlisted on 1 September 1914 with the Royal Fusiliers, Regimental number 498. He was sent to the Western Front, France on 12th November 1915 and served with the 19^th Battalion where he was promoted to Corporal. He was recommended for a commission on 25 September 1916 and returned to England where he took the aviation training examinations. He earned his wings, transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, the aviation branch of the army, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Percy survived the War.

Percy wrote many letters home and to Mr Chote (the schoolmaster at Merchant Taylors School) and told that in 1916 he had met another Ashwell man, Billy Picking, while on his way to the trenches. Percy caused quite a stir in Ashwell in 1917 when he flew in for a quick visit and landed his plane near the village, gathering a crowd of spectators.

He was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

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

The 1911 census shows him as a local delivery postman.

Percy married Alice Winifred Wagstaff at St Giles Church, Oxford on 24 April 1919. They had two children, Roy D born 1921 and Winifred B born 1927. Alice died in 1927.

Percy married Nellie Permain in 1932 and the 1939 census shows them living at Letchworth, Hertfordshire with Percy a departmental manager in charge of animal foodstuff.

Percy died in 1961.

Percy’s brother Edward also served in the War and survived.