9th September 1918

18-year-old Percy John Evans died on 9th September 1918 whilst training at Hastings as a cadet with the Squadron Cadet Wing, Royal Air Force.

Born in Shrewsbury in 1900, he was the younger of the two children of parents, John (a carpenter), and Elizabeth Alice (née West) who had married in 1897. At the time the Banns were published, John was living in Leaton, Shropshire, whilst Elizabeth’s home was in Cannock, Staffordshire.

The couple’s eldest child, Daisy Elizabeth (1898-1983) was born in Cannock in August 1898. At the time of the 1901 census, the family was living in Shrewsbury, moving to Station Road, Balsall Common by 1911.

Percy must have only just celebrated his 18th birthday before his death at Bannow Red Cross Hospital, St Leonards-on-Sea. He died of peritonitis caused by a burst appendix. The death certificate notes that he had had appendicitis for three days before his death. His father, John, had travelled from Balsall Common to be at his only son’s bedside.

Cadet Percy John Evans is buried at St Mary’s Churchyard, Temple Balsall, the only military casualty in the cemetery. He is also commemorated on war memorials at Temple Balsall and St Peter’s Church, Balsall Common.

If you have any further information, please let us know.

Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian

tel.: 0121 704 6977
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk