Percy Pashley

Percy was the third son of John and Lucy Ann Pashley (née Larder). His father John was born in Hardwick near Worksop, in 1865 and his mother Lucy Ann was born in Donington, Lincolnshire, in 1866. They were married at Ordsall All Hallows on 28 May 1891 and had eight children who were all born in Bothamsall; the four eldest were baptised at Bothamsall Our Lady & St Peter. Their children were: George Arthur b. 1893, William (bap. William Henry) b. 1896, Percy b. 23 November 1897 bap. 13 February 1898, Ellen b. 1899, Joseph b. 1902, Sydney b. 1906, Eveline (Evelyn) b. 1908 and Harold b. 1913. In 1901 John, an estates woodman, and Lucy were living on Cow Pasture Lane, Bothamsall, with their four children George (7), William (5), Percy (3) and Ellen (1). They were still living in the village in 1911 but only six of their seven children were in the home on the night of the census: George, a butcher's apprentice, Percy a farm labourer, Ellen, Joseph (8), Sydney (5) and Evelyn (2). William was a general servant at Wellow, Nottinghamshire, in the household of Samuel Birkhead, a retired butcher and farmer, his wife, daughter and son who was a horse breaker. The youngest child, Harold, was born two years later. John and Lucy were living on Main Street, Rampton, Nottinghamshire, in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled; John had retired from work. Lucy died the following year and John probably died in 1949. Two of Percy's brothers, George and William, also served in the war. George survived but William died in England in 1917 from wounds received in action. (See 'Extra information'). William was buried in Bothamsall churchyard as was George who died in 1961.

1911 - farm labourer

Enlisted Sheffield

2/5th Bn Leicestershire Regiment. Formerly Yorks & Lancaster Regiment (26080) The 2/5th Bn was a Territorial Force battalion raised in Loughborough in September 1914. It served in Ireland from April 1916, returned to the UK was then drafted to France in February 1917. Percy enlisted in Sheffield in May 1916 and first served with the Yorks and Lancaster Regiment, later transferring to the 2/5th battalion Leicestershire Regiment. Percy went to France in February 1917 after service in Ireland, and was killed in action seven months later on 26 September 1917. He is buried in Bridge House Cemetery, Belgium (grave reference A.10). The cemetery has 45 graves. CWGC - History of Bridge House Cemetery (extract): The Cemetery is located 5 kilometres north east of Ieper [Ypres]. Bridge House Cemetery, named after a farmhouse, was made by the 59th (North Midland) Division at the end of September 1917. All the graves but five are those of soldiers of that division, and all except one date from 26-28 September and the Battle of Polygon Wood.' (www.cwgc.org)

Two brothers, George Arthur and Percy, also served in the war. George served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (100043 Gunner) and was dischaged on 11 November 1919. William served with the 1st Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and was severely wounded resulting in the amputation of an arm. He was evacuated to England where he died on 17 August 1917 following a second operation for his injuries. He was buried in the churchyard of Our Lady and St Peter, Bothamsall. Retford Times 23rd November 1917: 'Lance Corporal Percy Pashley 'Another Bothamsall Hero. Another brave Bothamsall lad has made the supreme sacrifice, news has been received that Lance Corporal Percy Pashley, of the Leicestershire Regiment, died of wounds received on September 26th, he joined the Colours in May 1916 and spent most of his time in training in Ireland, he went to France in February this year. In a letter, his officer says he was the best and bravest boy of the company, and they are deeply grieved at the loss his death is to the company. The deceased was a machine gunner.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his mother Lucy was his sole legatee.