Private Percy Richard Jones

Percy was born on 2 December 1895 in Tooting and baptised in January 1896 in the parish of Tooting Graveney. In 1901 the family were living in a fairly large house at 171 Longley Road, Tooting, which was necessary as the family had a large household. Father John Jones was a Cab Driver/Groom and ran his own business. His wife was named Mary Ann, and they had nine children. The eldest was Walter who was aged 25 and had joined his father in the same business. Charlotte was 23, Alfred 18, Fanny 19, John 21, William 15, Edwin 12 and Emma was aged 9. Percy was the youngest child and was aged 5.

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 48 Boyd Road, Colliers Wood, and all the children had left home except for 15 year old Percy who was employed as an errand boy.

Percy enlisted with the Regular Army on 15 April 1913 while working as a Furniture Porter. He joined the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers who were in Kinsale, Ireland when war broke out. The battalion then proceeded to France on 10 September 1914 landing at St. Nazaire.

Unfortunately, Percy died very early on in the war, on 5 November 1914 and little is known of his war record. He is buried in Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France and his grave is marked with a cross and the words RIP. In October 1914 British soldiers serving in the Fleurbaix sector began burying their fallen comrades beside a regimental aid post and dressing station located not far from the support trenches that led to the front-line. Le Trou Aid Post cemetery was used until July 1915 and when the war ended it contained just 123 burials.

Percy’s will was in favour of his mother Mary, and she received his last pay of £5.17.6, plus the War Gratuity of £5.00. Percy is commemorated on the Mitcham War Memorial.