Percival Henry Hill

Story:
Percival Henry Hill was born on 27th August, 1894, in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, and baptised at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bishop's Knoyle (West Knoyle),Wiltshire, on 7th October, 1894. He was the son of John Henry Hill, a Gardener, and Elizabeth Ann Hill (née Bryant). His siblings included Walter Geoffrey Hill, born in 1896, who also served but was killed in action during the war. Percival was first registered for school at East Knoyle C of E School in 1897. In 1903 when his family moved to Pains Hill, Donhead St. Andrew he was registered for schooling at Donhead St. Andrew C of E School. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single and working as a Domestic Footman and living at Chedington Court, Beaminster, Dorset, in the employ of Sir Henry Peto (Bart).

He enlisted in Salisbury and joined the 8th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment (Service No. 16355) and at the time of his death held the rank of Corporal. He served in France & Flanders from 9 Sep 1915 and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was killed in action on 31st March 1916 and his name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres (Panel 21 & 31). He is also remembered on the Donhead St. Andrew War Memorial. His parents were by then living at 78 Parkstone Avenue, Parkstone, Dorset. His mother was in receipts of a dependent's pension covering both of her sons.