Military History

Percival is listed as being killed in action on 11 November 1917. The 99th Company war diary entries for the period 9th to 12th are transcribed below and indicate that Percival was likely killed on the 10th or early hours of the 11th during the relief.

Near Poperinghe - 9.10.1917: Division attacked at 5.20am. All guns were in position to open fire at Zero, except 3 one of which had been struck by shrapnel: the two remaining had lost their gun commanders and most of their personell. Over 100,000 rounds were fired, after the barrage had closed SOS lines were taken up.

During the afternoon the D.M.G.O sent information to the CO that the Germans were massing for a counter attack in Friesland Copse. A runner was despatched to battery positions and in 15  minutes fire was brought to bear on the above target. This brought hostile retaliation as a result of which more casualties occurred and 3 guns were put out of action.

The SOS went up about stand to in the evening and all guns again fired. Fire was maintained intermittently through the night

Near Poperinghe - 10.10.1917: Day spent in getting up S.A.A [Small Arms Ammunition]. Total amount of ammunition carried to gun positions = 300,000 rounds of which 200,000 were fired from Zero hour until time of heading over.

About 4.30pm enemy opened up on battery positions. Guns again opened fire. Hostile shelling put 2 guns of no 3 Section out of action and reduced their personnel to 5 men. This section was therefore withdrawn. The Coy were relieved by Div N.Z. M.G. Coy during the night.

St. Jean – 11.10.1917: Company assembled in X Camp, St. Jean where hot tea and been prepared. After a short rest Coy marched to transport lines W of Ypres, had dinners and proceeded to Warrington Camp near Brandhoek. Very comfortable billets.

Warrington Camp, Brandhoek – 12.10.1917: Day spent in cleaning up, sorting gun kit and equipment and treating bad feet. Wire arrived with news that Lance Corporal A.J. White, No 2 Section, had been awarded the Military Medal.