Military History

Percy is listed as dying of wounds received in action on 23rd October 1917 at the No2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Siding. He had been wounded in the head earlier the same day. The 6th Battalion war diary entries for the period 22nd to 24th October and an Obitury published in the Stratford Herald are transcribed below.

Sanctury Wood - 22.10.1917: Heavy shelling at intervals, the enemy appeared to be very nervous & frequently put down heavy barrages in front of front line, behind support line & Glencorse Wood, Clarence Farm and Inverness Copse. A large number of gas shells including with HE.

2^nd Lt R Caden killed, 1 Other Rank killed and 12 wounded. The artillery heavily shelled Polderhoek Cut. Intense shelling at intervals in reply to barrages.

3 more officers wounded and 1 died of wounds. 12 other ranks killed, 30 wounded.

The Battalion were to be relieved by 1^st Cheshire Regt, 5^th Division.

Sanctury Wood - 23.10.1917: Intense shelling at intervals in reply to barrage. Capt Gough?, Lieut Abbow, 2Lieut JR Ellis all wounded, 2Lieut R A W Maddever died of wounds. 12 other ranks killed and 30 wounded. The Battn were relieved by 1 Cheshire Regt, 5 Div.

Berthen - 24.10.1917: The relief was completed by 12.40am, The Battalion marched to Scottish Wood. Embussed at 12 noon & proceeded to billets in Berthen area arriving 3pm. Haircutting & cleaning commenced. Killed 9 Other Ranks, wounded 6, wounded by gas 2, missing 2 other ranks.

Stratford Herald - Friday 2nd November 1917
DIED OF WOUNDS PRIVATE PERCY D. NICHOLLS

Sincere sympathy was extended to Mr. and Mrs. George Nichols of West Street on the loss of their youngest son, Percy who died of wounds in hospital in France on the 23rd of last month. Private Nichols, who was only 19 years of age entered the Army in December of last year. During his training in England he was attached first to the Hampshires and after to the Wiltshires, finally leaving to France with the Somerset Light Infantry on 9th of last month.

Before joining up the deceased soldier was employed at the hairdressing establishment of Mr. Morris of Chapel Street and afterwards at Mr. Lands, Bridge Street, subsequently leaving to work in Coventry. He was generally liked and his death will be much regretted by his many friends.

The sad news was conveyed to his parents in a letter from the sister at the No. 2 Canadian CCS dated 24th October from which we give the following extract "I am very sorry to have to tell you of the death of your son Private P. Nichols who died in my ward yesterday at 5.00 p.m. The boy was brought into the hospital at about 11 o'clock in the morning. He was badly wounded the day previous in the head. The bullet penetrating the brain. There is one great comfort for you to know that he was not conscious of any pain after receiving such a wound. Your son will be buried this afternoon with full military honours in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery where so many of his brave comrades are laid to rest. With this note goes a great sympathy for you in the loss of your boy as well as for all those of the bereaved.”