Percival Charles Dawes
Shields Gazette 20/07/1917
CWGC Headstone
Percival Charles Dawes was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, moving to South Shields circa 1891. He married Marie Cook on 13th March 1902, at South Shields. They had 7 children - Mabel, Percy, Roy, Ellen, Cyril, Janet and Elizabeth.
Percival was originally in the Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A.) Volunteers. The reference to R.G.A. Volunteers (the Volunteers pre date the Haldane Army Reforms which led to the formation of the Territorial Force in 1908). The R.G.A. Volunteers were only named as such in 1902 so his service would have been within the window 1902-08. These were part time soldiers primarily engaged in coastal defence at various ‘forts’ protecting key ports.
Percival was attested in South Shields under the Derby Scheme on 10th December 1915, and was placed in the B Army Reserve and given an armlet to show he had signed up and was willing to serve. He was mobilised to the 4th Bn (a Reserve/Training Bn) Durham Light Infantry (D.L.I.) on the 26 July 1916, and allocated number 37502. On the 12th October 1916, he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corp (M.G.C.) and allocated a new Regimental Number, 64306.
He embarked at Folkestone on the 11th February 1917, then disembarked at Boulogne where he was attached to the base depot at Camiers of the 123rd Company. He was killed in action on the 27th June 1917 in the France & Flanders Theatre of War, Belgium, at the age of 39.
In his obituary, his lieutenant writes: - 'He was universally respected and loved. His unfailing helpfulness, cheerfulness, and good humour at all times endeared him to us all - both officers and men'.
Percival held down two full time jobs before enlisting. He worked at the Post Office as a Town Postman for 19 years and is described in his obituary 'Of a happy, pleasant and cheerful disposition; he will be much missed on the beat where he spent so many years'. He also worked at the St Thomas' Institute in Denmark Street as the Caretaker where he lived with his wife Maria (nee Cook) and their 7 children. He died shortly before his 8th child was born.
His widow was awarded a pension of 37s made up of Separation allowance of 31s 6d and allotment of pay of 3s 6d.
He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British Medal.
*Obituary - Shields Gazette 20/07/1917
Percival had a brother Arthur Ernest Dawes who also fell.
As told by the family.
Information supplied by Peter Hoy and Pamela Siegel (nee Stobbs).
Additional research: James Pasby
His name appears on the Post Office Roll of Honour of 17th July 1917 page 286.
Percival is remembered on the ROH 1914-18 Post Office, Russell Street, South Shields S86.114
