Royal Defence Corps, 17th Battalion, Service no. 66335
Born: 12th November 1895. Died: 6th January 1955.
Story
Percy was the son of John Wilman and Mary Ann Beeston, and the family lived on Robinson Lane (pictured below). Percy worked as a Grocer’s Assistant before the War, and enlisted under the Lord Derby Scheme on 11th December 1915. He was not called up until 4th April 1917, and served in the Royal Defence Corps, which was formed in March 1916 and disbanded in 1936. It was initially formed from Home Service Garrison battalions, which were composed of soldiers either too old or medically unfit for active front-line service. The role of the corps was to provide troops for security and guard duties inside the United Kingdom; guarding important locations such as ports or bridges. It also provided guards for prisoner-of-war camps. Although his Army papers state that Percy showed “a good character during his short military service with the colours”, he was discharged as permanently unfit on 13th February 1918, as he had contracting tendons in his fingers, which he had since birth, and this meant he was unable to straighten his fingers. After the War, Percy married Fanny Smart in 1921, and by 1939, the couple were living at 24 West View, Robinson Lane. Percy was a Colliery Banksman. Percy passed away at the age of 59, whilst living at Fearnville, 19 Brecks-Lane, Kippax. He left an estate worth £1,684 15s 7d to his widow Fanny, who passed away herself on 11th January 1974:
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