Percy Shepherd
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Percy was born in Nottingham in about 1893. He married Mary Ann Thorpe (b. 14 September 1893) in 1910 (O/N/D Nottingham) and they had two sons who were both born in Nottingham, Sydney b. 26 July 1912 and Albert b. 1 December 1914. In 1911 Percy (20), a cabinet maker, and Mary Ann (19), a lace hand drawer (working from home), were boarders at 36 Goodhead Street, Meadows, Nottingham, in the household of Rose Thorpe. At the time of Percy's death in July 1916 the family was living at 14 Bunny Terrace off Summers Street, Meadows. His widow Mary Ann was listed on the electoral register from 1920; she was still living at 14 Bunny Terrace. Also in the household was Edgar Hemsley (b. 19 May 1887) whom she married in 1924 (J/A/S Nottingham). They continued to live at the same address until at least 1927 and then in 1930 and 1931 were recorded living on Canterbury Road, Nottingham. However, by 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled, Mary and Edgar were living in Birmingham. Edgar died in 1963 (death registered Birmingham) and Mary Ann died 12 years later in 1975 (death registered Nottingham). Sydney Shepherd married Mabel Holmes in 1933. In 1939 they were living on Allendale Avenue, Nottingham; Sydney was a colliery clerk. The record of one other member of the household remains closed; this may have been their son Alan (b. 1936). Sydney and Mabel may have had a second son, Kenneth, in 1940. Sydney died in 1987 (O/N/D Nottingham). Albert Shepherd died in 1982 (J/F/M Nottingham).
Percy Shepherd served in the 13th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers. He served in France from 9 September 1915 and was killed on 4 July 1916, three days after the start of the Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 10 B 11 B and 12 B) He qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow Mary Ann was his sole legatee. The Register also records Percy's death as 1-4 July 1916 suggesting that he was initially reported missing in action. WW1 Pension Ledgers: his dependants were his widow Mary Ann Shepherd b. 14 September 1893 and his children Sidney [Sydney] b. 26 July 1912 and Albert b. 1 December 1914. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 21 August 1916: ‘Shepherd. Killed in action, July 14th, 1916, Private Percy Shepherd, Northumberland Fusiliers, 14, Bunney-terrace, Meadows, aged 25 years. Unitl the day breaks and the shadows flee away.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’ 22 August 1916: ‘Shepherd. Killed in action, July 4th, 1916, Private Percy Shepherd, Northumberland Fusiliers, 14, Bunney-terrace, Meadows, aged 25 years. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away. From his sorrowing mother, father, brothers, and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 29 August 1916: ‘Shepherd. Killed in action July 4th, 1916, Pte, Percy Shepherd, Northumberland Fusiliers, aged 25 years, the beloved husband of Mary Ann Shepherd, 14, Bunny-terrace, Meadows. there’s strife on earth, in Heaven there’s rest, They miss him most who loved him best. Dearly loved and sadly missed by his sorrowing wife and children.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', 4 July 1917: 'Shepherd. In loving memory of my dear husband Pte Percy Shepherd killed in action July 4th 1916 aged 25. God be with him till we meet again. - Sorrowing wife and children.' 'Shepherd. In loving memory of our dear son and brother Percy Shepherd killed in action July 4th 1916. God took him home, it was His will. - From his loving mother, father, sisters, brothers.' Research by David Nunn
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