Percival Albert John Norman

A Private with 4th Battalion, Percival died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 29. 

Percival was born at Kirkley on 8 June 1887, a son of James and Margaret Norman. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 21 November 1888 and his family lived at 59 Reeve Street. By 1901 his family were living at 10 Reeve Street.

On 12 January 1908 Percival married Emily Ethel Youngman at Saint Margaret’s Church. Percival was an upholsterer living at 10 Reeve Street, and Emily lived at Thurston Road. By 1911 they were living at 29 Thurston Road, and Percival was a carman working for a house furnisher. Later Emily lived at Harvey Cottages, Thurston Road.

Percival enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 29721. In 1916 he went to France to join the 4th Battalion. 

On 12 November 1916 the 4th Battalion moved into positions between Beaumont-Hamel and the right bank or the River Ancre, in preparation for an attack the following day. At 6.45 a.m. on 13 November the battalion advanced, as part of a brigade attack. There was a string point between the enemy first and second lines. This strongpoint had been passed over by the leading waves of the attack, but the men in the strongpoint were able to fire on the Bedfordshire’s and inflicted heavy casualties. The battalion were able to push on to the enemy second line, and beyond to Station Road. The battalion’s casualties were:

Officers: nine killed, two wounded
Other ranks: 48 killed, nine died of wounds, 108 wounded, 16 missing

Percival was killed in action during the attack on 13 November.    

Percival's brother Gordon served with the Suffolk Regiment and also died in 1916.