Pte 16922 Percy Septimus Miles

• Age: 21
• From: Egremont Cheshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• D.O.W Sunday 6th February 1916
• Commemorated at: Carnoy Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: O.15

Percy Septimus Miles was born in Egremont, Birkenhead, on the 17th November 1894, the sixth of seven sons born to John Herbert Miles and his wife Eliza Ann (nee Bilton). His father was born at Liverpool and his mother was from Rotherham, Yorkshire. They were married in Scarborough, Yorkshire in 1883. Percy was baptised at St John's Church, Liscard, Cheshire on 02nd January 1895. He was one of eight children, one of whom had died by 1911. His known siblings were; Edward Herbert (born 1884), Frederick William (born 1886), John Bilton (born 1888), Charles Henry (born 1890), Francis Alan (born 1892) and Noel Vaughan (born 1899).  

In 1901 the family lived at 10 Water Street, Egremont. Percy is 6 years old and a scholar. He lives with his parents and six brothers. His father is recorded as being a 41 year old cashier to a sugar refiner, whilst his mother is also 41 years of age. His siblings are listed as: Edward H. aged 16 years, an apprentice to a cotton broker, the remaining siblings are at school, Frederick W. 14, John B. 12, Charles H. 10, Francis A. 8 and newborn Noel V.  

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 4 Crescent Road, Egremont, a 10 roomed house, by which time Edward and his younger brother Frederick are commercial clerks with a cotton broker; Charles, another brother, is a collector of rents with an estate agent, and Francis, another brother, is a clerk with a sugar refiner; Percy. although aged 16 years, and his younger brother, are still at school.

Percy was educated at the Liverpool Institute School. 

Percy enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool on 31^st August 1914, joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 16922. He gave his age as 19 years 10 months, and his occupation as clerk. He was  described as being 5 feet 4" inches tall, weighed 116 lbs with a fresh complexion and had blue eyes and brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England and his next of kin was his father at 11 Crescent Road. 

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

He arrived in France on 07^th November 1915.

Percy died of wounds in the back on the 06^th February 1916 after only 92 days active service, aged 21.  

A report on his death appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post on the 15th February 1916:

DIED FROM WOUNDS

MILES - February 6, died of wounds received in action, aged 21 years, Private Percy Septimus Miles, 18th King's Liverpool Regiment (2nd Pals), son of Mr and Mrs John H. Miles, 11 Crescent Road, Egremont.

Also in the  Liverpool Echo on the 17th February 1916:

OLD LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE BOY.

News has been received of the death from wounds received in action in France of Private Percy Septimus Miles, of the 18th King's (Liverpool) Regiment (the 2nd "Pals"). Private Miles, who resided with hsi parents at 11, Crescent-road, Egremont, was in his twenty-second year, and was an old Liverpool Institute boy. He joined the forces immediately on the outbreak of war, proceeding to France with his regiment in November last. He was a member of the choir at St.John's Church, Egremont, and of the Lyndhurst Football Club, New Brighton.

Percy's personal effects were returned to his father in April 1916. They comprised of 1 English-French dictionary, 1 packet of correspondence and photos, 1 camphor tablet, 1 steel pocket mirror, 1 pocket wallet, 1 dice, 1 drinking cup in case, 1 leather purse, 2 farthings, 1 clasp knife, 1 pair of  kings titles, 2 pencils, buttons and a metal wrist watch.

He now rests at Carnoy Cemetery, France.  where his headstone bears the epitaph:

"DUTY NOBLY DONE"

The cemetery was begun in August 1915, by the 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, when the village was immediately South of the British front line. It continued in use by troops holding this sector until July 1916, when Field Ambulances came up and a camp was established on the higher ground North of the village. It was closed in March 1917. From March to August 1918, it was in German hands, and German (and a few British) graves were made between the British graves and the entrance, and also in a German Cemetery alongside; but the German graves and the German Cemetery were removed in 1924.

There are now over 850, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 30 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers and one airman from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them.

The cemetery covers an area of 4,441 square metres and is enclosed by a red brick wall.

Percy is also commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 17

Wallasey Civic Memorial (Hospital)

Wallasey (Roll of Honour)

Liverpool Institute School (now L.I.P.A.)

St John's Church of England Church, Egremont.

Soldiers Effects to executor, brother Edward H. and Samuel Tennant, no Pension record found

His father died at Crescent Road on the 27th February 1917. Probate of his estate was granted at Chester to his son, Edward Herbert, a cashier and Samuel Tennant, bookkeeper. His effects were valued at £4,965 5s 7d.

His mother completed her sworn declaration in 1919, his father had died and his mother with three of her sons, Frederick, Charles and Noel (the youngest) was living at 31 Grosvenor Street, Wallasey, the address in the CWGC records. Edward and Herbert are living in Seacombe and Toxteth respectively, while one son, John Bilton Miles, aged 30 is said to be in Australia. Records show that John B. Miles, a bricklayer, and his wife, Elizabeth, sailed for Australia aboard HMS Orania, on 13^th February 1913. Percy earned his 3 medals which were sent to his mother. 

Eliza Ann Miles died at 31 Grosvenor Road on the 20th May 1947 aged eighty-eight. Probate of her estate was granted at Liverpool  to her son, Edward Herbert, who was at that time a market gardener and Samuel Tennant, a retired cashier. Her effects were valued at £3,322 3s 3d.

We currently have no further information on Percy Septimus Miles. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Grateful thanks are extended to Elizabeth Riches for permission to use the photograph of Percy and also of his original grave.