Sapper Percy Dewhurst DCM MM
79294 179th Tunneling Co Royal Engineers
Served in the West Yorkshire Regiment during the Boer War
Burnley Express 10th March 1917 - 10th November 1917 - 14th September 1918

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. A large ammunition dump, near which he was working, was set on fire by hostile shelling. He, with some other men, at once ran across and commenced to put out the fire. One man was wounded, the remainder returning, but this sapper continued on alone, under continuous shelling, and finally the fire was extinguished".
( Distinguished Conduct Medal London Gazette of 6 February 1918)

Percy Dewhurst was born at Burnley circa 1880, the son of Eli and Sarah Dewhurst. On the 1881 Census he is to be found living at 12, Escott Street, Burnley at which time his father is described as being a Colliery Underviewer. On the 1891 Census he is to be found living at the Inkermann Inn, 236, Accrington Road, Burnley at which time his father is described as a Beer House Keeper.

In the late 1890's whilst employed as a collier, Percy got involved in a dispute over wages which ended in a fight at one of the local coal mines, following which he was "blacklisted". Shortly afterwards he crossed into Yorkshire by rail and enlisted into the West Yorkshire Regiment. In the early part of the 19th Century he was living in the Dover area, working at Snowdown Pit and playing football for Dover F.C. with whom he was a prolific goal scorer (see below). At the outbreak of war in 1914 he enlisted at Dover into the West Yorkshire Regiment (10342 L/Corporal), later transferring to the Royal Engineers.

Percy served in the Home Guard in Lancaster, Lancashire during World War 2. Whilst working in the Lancaster area as a postman he is thought to have received the Imperial Service Medal on his retirement

(courtesy of Dave Ingham)

Also Awarded the Imperial Service Medal

Imperial Service Medal. Sixth Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday the 6th of October, 1944, for his service as a postman in Lancaster and Morecambe. The number of the Gazette is 36740 and the list of awards starts on page 4643, with Percy mentioned on page 4644

(courtesy of Paul Kirby)

Dover F.C. season 1906-7