Name
Percy Hugh Whaley
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Gunner
2495
Royal Field Artillery
215th Brigade
'A' Battery
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Not yet known
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
NA
Pre War
Percy was born in Hitchin, to William and Eliza Madley (née Foster) who had married in Hitchin in 1878. He was the brother of Frederick John Whaley who fought and died in the war.
In 1891 the family were living at 14 Bedford Road, Hitchin. Present were both parents: William (40) and Eliza (38), with William working as a hairdresser in Hitchin Market Place in his own business. Their children were: William Foster (10), Frederick John (8), Florence Mabel (6), Lilly Victoria (4) and Eva Eliza (2). They also had a domestic servant, Sarah A Collens (21).
In 1901 his family remained at the same address. Present were both parents, William was still a hairdresser as was their eldest son, also William. Their children were all those listed above except Frederick, plus new siblings Gladys Mary (9) and Percy Hugh (4).
By 1911 the family were living at 26 St Edmonds, Fishpond Road, Hitchin. William still a hairdresser and employer The census recorded they had been married for 32 years with 7 children, all living.
Wartime Service
2495 Gunner Whaley was posted to the 3rd/3rd (Home Counties) Brigade on 3 June 1916 and embarked for India on 15 September to serve with the 1st/3rd (Home Counties) Brigade RFA.
From India he was posted to A Battery, 215th Brigade, RFA on 28 January 1917 for service in Mesopotamia (Iraq).
Service in Mesopotamia ended on 5 June 1918 when he embarked at Basra for England, joining C Battery 6th Reserve Brigade on 18 July after ten days at sea, and posted to the Dispersal Centre at Luton on 2 February 1919.
He was discharged from Luton on 2 March 1919.
Acknowledgments
Nick Forder
