Percy Dickens

War Service

Percy enlisted at Ossett in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as Private 52817 then, like John Ainsworth, transferred to the 7th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment as Private 51262. Like John, he took part in ‘The Pursuit of the Selle’ and after a 6-day halt on the East Bank of the Selle for preparations, he took part in what was a highly significant success in the final push for victory, the Battle of the Selle (17th-25th October 1918). Sadly, he was wounded and died on 25th October 1918 being buried at the Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Percy’s father Bertie also enlisted in September 1918 aged 48 years and 4 months giving his address as Old Roundwood, Ossett. He enlisted with the Royal Engineers with the Service number 600713 giving his next of kin as his wife Frances and dependent children were Ethel, Elsie and Charlie. His occupation as a GPO Telegrapher was probably the reason for his regiment as the Royal Engineers were very much involved with the rapidly developing communications systems.

Family Life

Percy was born to Bertie Percy and Frances Dickens in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire on 14th July 1896 (according to the National School Admission Register) and he was a twin with his sister Constance. They must have moved to Leeds soon after, as his brother Harold was born there the following year.
In the 1901 census they were living at 16, Rosebank View Leeds, with his father being a telephone labourer. On 27th July 1905 Percy, Connie and Harold were admitted to Great Oxendon School in Northamptonshire, followed on the 31st July by another sister Ethel, who I believe had been born in Leeds in 1901. Ten years later they were living at Roundwood, with Bertie now a telephone inspector/fitter and Percy junior and younger brother Harold both miners. Sister Constance was working in the mill and there were three children still at school.

Mont Huon Military Cemetery