James, Percy

Percy was born on 18 March 1893 at Norton, Hertfordshire, the eldest son of S. Albert and Martha (nee Kitchener) James.  He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell where they were living when Percy was about 10 years old.

Percy enlisted at Hitchin on 7 April 1916 with the Royal Field Artillery, No.6 Reserve Brigade Artillery (Territorial Force).  On 22 December 1917 he was embarked to Basrah.  On 12 April 1918 was embarked to France.  On 10 December 1918 he joined the B/256 Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery.  Percy survived the War.

Percy was awarded 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 farm labourer.

Percy married Thirza Ann Waldock in Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 30 November 1913.  They had five children: Ivy Doris, Leslie Albert, Elsie Agneta, Mabel Winifred and Olive Margaret.

The 1939 census shows them living in Ashwell with Percy a brewery labourer.

Percy died at 9 Station Rd, Ashwell on 26 February 1969.

Percy’s father was christened Squire Arthur James, shortened it to S. Arthur and eventually dropped the Squire altogether.