Percy James Wilks

Private Percy James Wilks – Welsh Regiment, 6^th Battalion

Early Life

Percy James Wilks

Percy James Wilks was born in 1898, the youngest son of Benjamin Wilks and Jane Evans.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Wilks family were living at 56 Argyle Street, Swansea. Benjamin, aged 45, and Jane, aged 44, were raising a large family. Their children were George, 24; Sarah, 20; Benjamin, 18, employed as a furniture polisher; Frank, 16, and Daniel, 15, both upholsterer apprentices; Beatrice, 10; Sidney, 5; and the youngest, Percy, aged 3.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 18A Richardson Street. Benjamin, now 55, was employed as a commercial traveller, while Jane was 54. The children at home were Daniel, 25, an upholsterer employee; Beatrice, 21, working as a master’s help; Sidney, 16, a shop assistant; and Percy, 13, still attending school.

After finishing his education, Percy was employed by the Cambrian Daily Leader as a junior reader.

Military Service

Attestation Papers

On 15^th March 1915 — the Ides of March — Percy enlisted, joining the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. His attestation papers survive, recording his commitment to military service despite his young age.

Death

Herald of Wales

On 26^th April 1916, while on active duty in Pembrokeshire, Percy was accidentally shot and killed. His death was reported in the Herald of Wales, which conveyed the shock felt by his family and the local community at the sudden loss of one so young. Percy was just 18 years old at the time of his death.

Burial

Percy Wilks
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Private Percy Wilks was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His grave stands as a poignant reminder of the many young men whose lives were cut short not only in combat but also through accidents and misfortunes of war.

Legacy

The story of Percy Wilks is one of promise unfulfilled. The youngest of a large Swansea family, employed in the local press before joining the army, his life ended before it could fully begin. His accidental death highlights another aspect of wartime sacrifice — that not all losses came on the battlefield, but each was felt deeply by the families and communities left behind.