Percy-Smith, V
(1876 - 1919)
Key Facts
DATE OF BIRTH:
6th December 1876
YEARS ATTENDED THE COLLEGE:
1888 - 1889
HOME ADDRESS WHEN AT THE COLLEGE:
19 Weighton Road, Anerley
REGIMENT
Royal Air Force
FINAL RANK:
Major
DATE OF DEATH:
20th September 1919
AGE AT DEATH:
42
WHERE HE DIED (or was wounded)
Bombay
LOCATION OF GRAVE OR MEMORIAL:
Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial. Face F
Major Vernon Percy-Smith
Born 6th December 1876, Vernon lived with a guardian, Mrs Knapp, while at Dulwich alongside his brother, Eric. He left the college in 1889 whilst in the Lower 2nd. Vernon joined the army in 1897 and in August of the same year became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Indian Army. In 1899, Vernon was promoted to Lieutenant before joining the 20th Deccan Horse in 1903. Three years later he was promoted again to Captain before retiring in 1910 and returning to England.
At the outbreak of war, Vernon was desperate to be able to serve and therefore joined the Canadian Contingent. However, in the same year he re-joined the 20th Deccan Horse in France, although he was transferred again in 1916 to the Gas Corps. It was serving with them in August of 1916 that he was gassed and invalided back to England. Still wanting to serve his country, Vernon joined the Royal Flying Corps as staff, even being promoted in 1917 to Major. After the war was over, Vernon was still suffering from his gassing so went out to Bombay for “the air”. However, on the 20th September 1919 he passed away from the effects of the gas and is memorialised on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, Poona.
