12461, Private, Joseph Cecil PERRY
Aged 31
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Born in Q3-1886 in Newmarket [Newmarket 3b:525], 2nd son of Joseph Charles and Mary Ann PERRY (née HURRELL) of 2 Granby Gardens,
Granby Street, Newmarket.
1891 census...Joseph Cecil [5] was at 2 Granby Gardens, Newmarket with his father Joseph Charles [38], a stableman born Yarmouth; his mother Mary Ann [33] born Wickhambrook; brothers William Charles [9] and Albert Edward [2] and sister Kate Mary [7]. All the children were born in Newmarket. 1901 census...Joseph [14] was at Harraton House Stables, an apprentice jockey with Pery Peck. His parents were still in Granby Street with William; Albert; Fred [10]; Frank [6]; Ethel [3) and Amelia [2], all new children being born in Newmarket. 1911 census...Joseph [24] a stableman, was at 30 Nat Flatman Street, Newmarket with his parents, brothers William and Albert and sisters Ethel and Amelia. In Q3-1916 he married Matilda Maud ROSE [27-2-1894] of Brickfield Cottages, Exning. He enlisted in Newmarket and died at No.5 C.C.S. Tincourt Matilda alreay had a daughter, Gladys May ROSE [27-1-1913] |
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He was at the burial of his brother in law Frederick ROSE from Exning in April 1917, near Arras. see here Joseph's nephew Edward is also on the War Memorial, killed in action in WW2 see here His entry in "Our Exning Heroes" reads: "Joseph Cecil Perry was born on July 26th, 1888, and was educated at All Saints School, Newmarket. He joined up during the first month of the war and went out to France in the following May. He was severely wounded on August 27th, 1917, and died of wounds on September 18th at 5th Casualty Clearing Station, France. The Chaplain, who ministered to him in hospital, writes: "He had been terribly wounded and made a big fight for life. He was a very brave man and died as a very gallant Englishman." His Officer also writes: "He joined my platoon in January this year, and I soon formed a very high opinion of him. Perhaps he told you that I had several times asked him to let me make him Lance Corporal, but he preferred to remain a Private. I am sure further promotion would have come quickly." In 1916 he married Matilda Maud Rose, of the Brickfields, at Exning Church,and leaves one child. Before the war he was a stableman and worked for Mr Peck. He was a good runner, and won several prizes in Newmarket, Exning and other places." The 11th Suffolks, later to become the Cambridgeshires, were in the line in Priel Wood on 24th August, had two days of peace then attacked Malakhoff Farm and the trench system in front of Hargicourt on the 26th. There was fierce hand to hand fighting at the junction of Sugar and Malakhoff trenches and they suffered from machine gun fire until the gun crew were killed. Cpl Sidney Gray from Norwich won the VC for his actions. All objectives were gained but for the loss of 34 killed. 3 men died on the 27th. |
photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details