Percy James's Story.
Born in 1890 in Weaverham. to William and Florence Williamson. William was from Runcorn originally but had moved to Weaverham. Florence was born in Walton
In 1911 Percy is found living at 134 Grange Rd, Bermondsey, London S E according to the census. Whilst his family are now living in Runcorn at 2 Grosvenor Street, William (51) his father is listed as a coal merchants clerk. With his wife are Victor (18), Alan (15), Clifford (13), Nancy (10) and Florence (6).
He joined the Liverpool Pals Regiment and went to France in November 1915.
In February he is reported as having been slightly wounded . He was in a dug out 30 yards from the German Trenches when a sniper appears to have shot at his exposed bayonet. The bullet hit the mark, was deflected down the bayonet and the rifle, and wounded Percy in his knee. He was the first local member of the "Pals" regiment to be wounded.
No other information can be found in the local papers about his death. On the 12th June 1918, his mother placed an advert in the Liverpool Daily Post requesting any information about Percy as he had been missing since 22nd March, 16th Platoon, D Company and gave her address as "Sunniside" Norman Road, Runcorn.
On the 22nd, D Company were requested to clear Holnon Wood. The battalion then moved to Aviation Wood later that day.
The Soliders Effects register also has Percy being KIA on the 22nd.
Commonwealth War Graves Webiste sates he was killed on the 26th.
The war diaries state that the Battalion were at Lessier on the 26th and some of the companies attached to the 16th Manchesters. The remaining men marched to Folies and then 2 companies were asked to man some trenches east of Rouvroy. During this period the diary does not mention any deaths but on the 25th and 26th the Battalion came under some heavy shelling from the enemy.
During this period Percy was killed and he had no known grave so it can be assumed he was killed in action and not evacuated to a CCS.
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth.