Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research. Thank you to Julia Crighton, family historian of the Perks family of Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Harry Perks was born in 1891 in Blairgowrie & Rattray, Perth, Scotland. His mother is stated to be Annie Elizabeth (Anne) Perks. She was about fifteen years old. At the time of the birth they both resided in Scotland. It seems that Harry was looked after by his maternal grandparents: according to the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1921, Harry considered his grandfather Frederick Perks to be his father and aunts and uncles his sisters and brothers.
Harry’s maternal grandfather Frederick was born about 1851 in Wellsbourne, Warwickshire. His maternal grandmother Hannah/Anne Perks was born about 1845 in Harston, Leicestershire. Frederick married Hannah/Anne Bell on 20th of November 1874 in Blairgowrie. Harry’s mother Annie Elizabeth (Anne) Perks was born about 1876 in Perthshire.
At the time of the 1881, the family lived as lodgers of tailor Thomas Mercer at 32 Church Street in Rugby, Warwickshire. Frederick was working as a stud groom and his wife Hannah/Anne Perks was looking after their children. At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 71 James Street, Rugby. Frederick was working as a groom and Hannah/Anne Perks was looking after their children.
Harry’s mother Annie married Thomas Causebrook on 15th November 1897 in Rugby. Annie was stated to be a spinster. At the time of the marriage, the couple lived in Spring Street, Rugby. Thomas was born about 1874 in Slapton, Northamptonshire. At the time of the marriage, Annie’s father Frederick was working as a coachman.
Harry had nine known half siblings: Thomas William born in the 3rd quarter of 1900 in Northampton; Frederick born in the 3rd quarter of 1903 in Arley, Warwickshire; Joseph born in the 3rd quarter of 1905 in Dunchurch, Warwickshire; Arthur born in the 4th quarter of 1907 in Howsham, Lincolnshire; Sidney born in the 1st quarter of 1910 in Apley Head, Nottinghamshire; Ernest born in the 4th quarter of 1911 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire; Robert born in the 1st quarter of 1914 in Doncaster, Yorkshire; Annie born in the 1st quarter of 1916 and Mabel P. Causebrook born in the 4th quarter of 1918, both in Rotherham, Yorkshire West Riding.
At the time of the 1901 Census, Harry’s mother Annie lived with her husband, Thomas, a horse keeper on a farm,and their baby son Thomas in Quinton, Northamptonshire.
At the time of the 1901 Census, Harry was living with his grandfather Frederick at Coachman’s H. Craighall, Rattray, Perthshire. Frederick was working as a coachman and was for many years in the service of James Clerk Rattray of Craighall castle. Harry is stated to be his grandson. In the household also lived another of Frederick’s grandson Alexander [Blarsebrosk]. Alexander was born about 1897 in England.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Harry’s mother Annie lived with Thomas and their children at 27 Apley Head Cottages, Worksop in East Redford. Thomas was working as a shepherd on a farm and Annie was looking after their children. The family also comprised of a boarder, farm labourer William Greensmith. The accommodation had six rooms. Annie Elizabeth stated, that she had given birth to six children of whom one died.
Harry enlisted in Perth, Scotland and became part of the 6th (Perthshire) Battalion (Territorial) the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). He was a private with a regimental number 1815. He disembarked on 2nd May 1915 to France. Prior to mobilisation, Harry was employed at Faskally Gardens, Pitlochry, where he also lived. He was part of the Territorial Army.
Harry died in an action on 30th July 1916 during the attack on High Wood in France.
At 6.10pm on 30th July 1916, the 6th Battalion Black Watch attacked enemy lines running South East from High Wood during the battle of Somme. Casualties were fierce: 3 officers killed, 5 wounded, 2 missing and of other ranks about 250 soldiers were killed, wounded and missing.
It was later established, that during this attack, Pitlochry section of Perthshire suffered 2 deaths, 3 men missing and 5 wounded.
Harry Perks was buried at the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval in France. His grave reference number is: XIV.F.10. The headstone erected by his aunt Frances Mary (Fanny) Bruford of Laundry Cottage, Mickleham, Dorking bears the inscription: “Thy Will Be Done”.
Harry’s grandfather Frederick received £2, 16s, 2d on 21st November 1916 and £6 and 15s on 14th October 1919 in Soldier’s Effects. Harry’s aunt Jane/Jeannie received 9s and 4d on 21st November 1916 in Soldier’s Effects. Harry’s mother received £1, 2s and 6d on 9th March 1920 in Soldier’s Effects. Harry’s uncle Frederick received 9s and 4d and further £1, 2s and 6d on 31st August 1920 in Soldier’s Effects.
Harry was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
According to the Surrey, England, Electoral Registers, 1832-1945, Harry’s aunt Frances and grandfather Frederick were living in 1918 at Old Dene Cottages, in Westhumble, Dorking.
Frances married on 18th July 1918 William Edward Bruford at St Michael’s church in Mickleham, Surrey. At the time of the marriage, the groom was part of the Royal Army Medical Corps and lived in Mickleham. He was the son of gardener Charles. Frances Mary Perks was living in Westhumble and her father Frederick was working as a gardener.
Harry’s grandfather Frederick of Laundry Cottage, Mickleham Downs near Dorking died on 14th of September 1923. Frances of 3 The Bungalows, Norbury Park, Mickleham died on the 25th of March 1955 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, EC2.
| Born | Blairgowrie, Perthshire | |
| Lived | Perth, Perthshire | |
| Grandson of | Frederick and Hannah Perks | |
| Brother of | Mrs. Frances M. Bruford, Laundry Cottage, Mickleham Downs | |
| Regiment | 6th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) | |
| Number | 1815 | |
| Date of Death | 30th July 1916 | |
| Place of Death | High Wood. France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 24 | |
| Cemetery | Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, France |
