Tags
Durham, Glasgow, Heath Town, Percy Randle, Prestwood Road, Royal Engineers, Silver War Badge, tuberculosis
Percy was born in Wolverhampton on 24 November 1888, the son of Enos and Mary Ann Randle (nee Cartwright). In 1901, they were living at 281 (Oscott Cottage) Prestwood Road, Heath Town Wolverhampton, along with Percy’s sisters Isabella and Gertrude E. They were at the same address in 1911, but Percy was the only child still living with his parents. He was working as an engineers clerk. Percy married Kate Eveline Trewhitt in Durham on 26 August 1915.
On 4 August 1917, Percy enlisted in the Royal Engineers at Glasgow (service number 310371, later 292849). By then, his address was given as care of Collins, 115 Renfield Street, Glasgow, and his trade was music hall agent. Collins was Scotland’s first successful Variety Agency. In Percy’s attestation record he is recorded as being 5’ 7” tall, he was given the medical classification of C which is “free from serious organic diseases, able to stand service in garrisons at home” and the subcategory C1 “able to march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well.” His wife Kate was living at 9 Fordland Place, Hylton Road Sunderland. By 5th December 1917 he had been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and two days later to Corporal. However, Percy did not serve overseas, as he contracted tuberculosis. On 1 April 1918, he was discharged as being no longer physically fit for war service, and he died at 107 Hill Street, Garnethill, Glasgow on 19 June 1918. There was no family history of tuberculosis, and the medical report concluded that his tuberculosis was attributable to ordinary military service. The value of his estate was £69 6s. 2d. He was posthumously awarded the Silver War Badge (number B270248) on 9 August 1919.
