Percival Warburton's Story.
Birkenhead News 14 September 1918CLAUGHTON OFFICER KILLED.
Devoted Service to Scout Movement.
It is with deep regret that the death in action in France, on 9th April, 1918, of Capt. Perceval Warburton Hawkes, has now been ascertained to be a fact on unquestionable evidence from several sources. This officer had served continuously first as a private in the 4th Battalion Cheshire Regt., and then as an officer in the 5th Battalion, the King’s (Liverpool Regt.) for nine years when the war broke out, but owing to ill health was prevented from serving overseas till the end of last year when he proceeded to France. In many ways his most devoted service had been to the Scout movement and Boys’ Own Brigade, and while following his duties in the home forces he became Scoutmaster to the 10th Norwich Troop of Scouts, who have with others, sadly missed his services and help. It is this great and sound movement in the true interests of all we hold sacred to the cause of humanity, which will lose most by the removal of one who was so keen on useful citizenship.
His death is reported to have been instantaneous in one of the hardest fought defences against great odds where all engaged had to sacrifice themselves for the sake of unity in action. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Hawkes, of “Abbots Well,” 93, Park Road South, Birkenhead, and he is deeply mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends and co-workers in national interests.