Name
Percy Ernest Hawkins
12th March 1890
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
04/09/1916
26
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
427648
Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
13th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VIMY MEMORIAL
France
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin, Hitchin British Boys' School Memorial, Hitchin
Pre War
Born 12 March 1890 in Hitchin to parents Isaac and Fanny Hawkins and christened on 29 May 1889 in St. Mary’s Church. His home was 5 West Alley, Hitchin at some point.
In 1891 the family were living at 1 Wymondley Road, Hitchin. Present were both parents: Isaac (34) and Fanny (34), with Isaac (senior) working as a builder’s yard foreman. Their children were: Isaac A (9), Leonard (7), Percy Ernest (2) and Bernard at just 7 months.
By 1901 the family had moved to 1 Taylor’s Hillx, Hitchin. Present were both parents with Isaac still working as a builder’s yard foreman. All their children above were present plus Rex (5).
Percy emigrated to Canada on the ship Tunisian arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 15 April 1910, with intended profession of farmer.
He married Annie Hawkins (née Hampu) and in the Canadian census of 1916 a son called Isaac Ernest is recorded, aged 3 ½. Percy was working as a labourer
He enlisted on 17 September 1915, joining the 46th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was living at 1737 Empress Street, Regina, Saskatchewan., married had been working as a driver. He has some military experience with the militia having spent two years in the 16th Light Horse. He was described as 5’ 5” tall, with light brown hair, blue eyes, a fair complexion with two long scars on each leg.
Wartime Service
He was Regimental Number 427648 in the 46th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force and embarked for England on 21 October 1915, landing in Devenport, England on 20 October 1915. He underwent training, was transferred to the 13th Battalion of the Quebec Regiment of the Canadian Infantry – also known as the Royal Highlanders of Canada and went to France 16 June 1916. He remained at base camp until 18 June when he left to join them, arriving for duty on the 19th.
He was killed in action on 4 September 1916 in the trenches at Courcelette, France, and at the time of his death were part of the 3rd Canadian Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division.
He has no known grave, but is remembered on the Vimy Memorial to the Missing in France.
Additional Information
Percy made out a simple Military Will, it read: “In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my wife Mrs Annie Hawkins of 1737 Empress St Regina Sask. Canada.” It was dated 24 February 1916.
His medals and Canadian memorial cross were sent to his widow on 26 May 1920 and then in January 1922 his scroll and plaque were sent.
Acknowledgments
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Jonty Wild
