Army Number : n/a

Battalion : 2/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Born and lived at Nottingham. Son of George Henry and Elizabeth Perry, of 93, Forest Road, Nottingham. Husband of Hilda Perry. He was a partner in the firm of G. H. Perry & Sons, Lace Manufacturers prior to gaining a commission as Second Lieutenant 2/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment, 16th March 1915. He went to Ireland 26th April 1916 and was killed in action 26th April 1916, aged 33, during the Battle of Mount Street, Bridge, Ireland, during the Irish Rebellion.

“HONOURING THE BRAVE.

“LIEUT. P. L. C. PERRY.

“MILITARY FUNERAL IN NOTTINGHAM.

“With full military honours, the funeral of Lieut. Percy L. C. Perry, of the Sherwood Foresters, who died in action in Ireland on April 26th, took place at the Nottingham General Cemetery to-day [10th May 1916]. The deceased officer was the youngest son of Mr. G. H. Perry, Forest-road, and was held in the highest esteem in the city, being closely identified with the lace trade for many years.

“A brief service was held at the house of Mr. G. H. Perry, the Rev. J. Somerfield (army chaplain), officiating. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, and bore the deceased’s sword and cap, was conveyed to the cemetery on a gun carriage drawn by horses ridden by members of the Army Corps. The firing party consisted of a detachment of the Lincolnshire Regiment, and the bearers were drawn from the Robin Hoods. The principal mourners were Mr. G. H. Perry (father), Mr. G. H. Perry, jun., and Mr. A. E. Perry (brothers), Mr. G. W. Baxter (father-in-law), Lieut, E. O. Perry and Mr. B. Creassey (nephews), Mr. G. E. Alton, Mr. H. M. Dexter, and Dr. O. Robinson (brothers-in-law), Mr. F. J. Perry, Mr. F. W. Perry, and Lieut. J. L. Miller (cousins), Lieut. George Fish, Mr. Aaron Mellor, Rev. J. Somerfield, Dr. James Millar, Mr. A. Lee, Sgt. Simpkins (a member of the deceased officer’s company), and the Rev. G. West.

“A large number of people assembled at the cemetery to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, these including the Mayor (Coun. J. G. Small), the Sheriff (Coun. J. Clarkson), Ald. J. H. Gregg, Ald. F. R. Radford, Mr. J. H. Richards (representing the Town Clerk), Mr. T. Fish, Mr. E. Hickling, Mr. H. D. Bright, Mr. W. R. Baggaley, Mr. W. Swanwick, Mr. A. C. Radford, Mr. R. I. Dexter, W. F. Raynor, Mr. D. Walker, and Mr E. R. Newton.

“The military representatives present included Col. J. R. Starkey, M.P., Major Baines, Capt. J. A. H. Green, Capt. Wrightson. Capt. F. G. Hickling (who was in action with Lieut. Perry in Ireland, and was wounded), Lieut. Simms, Lieuts. Allen, C. D. Coulby. Cartwright, Smith, and Campbell.

“There were a large number of beautiful floral tributes and many messages of sympathy were received, including the following telegram from the King and Queen:

“Buckingham Palace, O.H.M.S.
“The King and Queen have heard with deep regret that your son has lost his life in the recent disturbances in Ireland, and desire me to express their sincere sympathy with you in your sorrow.
“KEEPER OF THE PRIVY PURSE.

“ARMY CHAPLAIN’S TRIBUTE.

“After reading the committal sentences, the Rev. J. Somerfield delivered a short address, observing that Nottingham mourned that day one of her bravest citizens, one who gave all he had to give for honour, for freedom, for King and country. Lieut. Perry was one of the first to respond to his country’s call, and gave a lead to the men of Nottingham, many of whom had left home and comforts for all the horrors of warfare, and some of whom had laid down their lives for their country. They honoured the brave, while realising the grave responsibility that rested upon them. The call came stronger than ever to all men and women to make the great sacrifice for the things that were more precious than life itself.

“Their friend and comrade was a brave soldier and a loyal citizen. He was a well equipped officer for his work, loved those under him. One the last acts of his life was to help a comrade to bear his heavy burden when going into action. He was not only a brave soldier, but a devoted and loyal son, a loving husband, a loyal friend, and a true comrade of those who now mourned him. Their hearts went out to those who felt that great loss the keenest; yet his name would be emblazoned amongst these who would be honoured for all time. Their hearts were full with sorrow, but there came to them a sense of thankfulness that there were such men prepared to make the great sacrifice.

“Let them consecrate themselves anew to the holy cause, and be willing to follow in the steps of those who laid down their lives for truth and for righteousness. Might it please God to hasten the time when the cause of righteousness should win, and the powers of evil be overthrown, and when nations would dwell together in safety and goodwill.

“Three volleys, having been fired, the buglers sounded the “Last Post” at the conclusion of a most impressive ceremony.”

‘Nottingham Evening Post’, 10th May 1916.

Nottingham General Cemetery, United Kingdom. Grave 1231