Private Percy Neale 5018 Buffs East Kent Regiment was 31 when he died on 11th July 1918. He had enlisted in December 1914 and proceeded to active service in 1915. He was wounded by gunshot in both legs in the same year and he also suffered from the effects of gas poisoning. Back in France in August 1915 he, and a group of British soldiers, helped the French to rescue the inhabitants of a house which had taken a direct hit. Under shell bombardment he was wounded and 3 British soldiers died. For this act of, “. . . great courage and splendid valour . . .” he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre and received the medal whilst in Edmonton Military Hospital.
Private Neale was discharged due to his injuries and died of influenza in July 1918.
He was a member of Broadstairs Court Ancient Order of Foresters and lived with his wife, Annie and three children at 6, Crofts Place Broadstairs.
Image courtesy of Ronnie Cox & Maggie Cook. Text by B.Sleightholm