Thanks to a relative for this piece
To commemorate the town’s first loss of the Great War a road in the new Morland Gardens development has been named after Private Percival Arthur King.
On the tenth of September, 1914, the people of Abingdon mourned their first loss of the Great War. Private Percival Arthur King of court 22, Ock street, was killed in action taking part in the first Battle of Mons while serving with the 1st Royal Berkshire Regiment, British Expeditionary Force.
This is an extract from the regimental diary of the day :- 10-09-14
Regiment. 1st Royal Berkshire
Location. France, COUPROU
Entry: 6th Bde A.G. to 2nd Div. Battalion with 1 sect 36 Bde RFA and 1 sect of 2 Fd Co R.E. as vanguard. Hostile column early seen [sic]. Some doubt as to identity. Touch obtained at village of HAUTEVESNES. On passing village of St GUNGOULPH, Germans estimated one Battn and 4 guns took defensive position assunder road. 1/Kings Rgt and 1/K.R.R.C. deployed to left of vanguard. 1. Bt 5th Bgd moved up in support on right. NE position captured 12.45pm. Went about to deploy for further action against hostile artillery. Heavy shell fire from left. March continued at 4.45pm. Bivouac at 6.30pm at CHEVILLAN. Casualties Lt A. H Perrott and 1 other rank killed. Other ranks 23 wounded. 365 prisoners and 546 rifles captured. 57 dead buried.
A quick look at the names on the War Memorial will reveal that the extended King family lost many sons in the Great War. On Remembrance Day there is often a wooden cross placed at the base of the memorial emblazoned with the proud words “The Kings of Abingdon.”
Hello, i am researching my family history and have traced my Great, great grandfather to Abingdon. His name was Henry, he was born in 1812 and died in Abingdon in 1883, he was married to a Sarah. Looks like the King family has quite a history in the town, i would love to know if Henry was related to Percival, if anyone can help me please get in touch, thanks. my email is simon68giddy@hotmail.co.uk