Private Percy Avery, Scots Guard

From De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1919 Vol 5

Private 13087, 2nd Bn Scots Guard. Son of the late Robert Avery by his wife Mary (74 Cleveland St, Birkenhead) daughter of the late William Lamden Ufton of Reading, Berkshire. Born Garston, near Liverpool, 8 Jan 1882. Educated there; was employed as a Fireman on the London and North Western Railway. Enlisted 12 Jan 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 18 May 1916, and was killed in action at the battle of the Somme 20 July following. An officer wrote, "He was killed instantly and suffered no pain. He was a most popular fellow and well liked by everyone, both officers and men, and his loss will be a real one to the battalion." Unmarried.

Percy Avery is buried in Poperinghe Cemetery, alongside two fellow Scots Guards who were killed the same day. His family had this inscription added to his headstone:

WITH ACHING HEARTS

WE SHOOK HIS HAND

TEARS GLISTENED IN OUR EYES

IT WAS OUR LAST GOOD-BYE

The image below is of the family headstone in Allerton Cemetery, Liverpool where his name is commemorated alongside those of his parents and brother.