Percy Gofton Batty (1895-1915)
Gateshead grocer served as an able seaman in the Royal Naval Division
Percy Gofton Batty was born on 28 December 1895 in Gateshead. His father was newsagent’s assistant Henry Batty (1865-1929) from Southwick, Sunderland. His mother was Emily Sarah Batty nee Clayton (1874-1952) from Embleton, Northumberland. His parents married in 1892 in Sunderland. Percy was the oldest of their four boys. In 1901 the Batty family lived at 155 Westbourne Avenue, Gateshead. By the time of the 1911 census they had moved to 110 Windsor Avenue, Gateshead. Percy was recorded working as a grocer’s assistant in the 1911 census.
Percy enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) on 13 January 1915. He was rated as an able seaman with the service number TZ/3093. He joined Benbow Battalion, Royal Naval Division (RND) from the 1st Reserve Battalion. He was drafted to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) for operations in the Dardanelles. He transferred to Nelson Battalion, RND on 12 June 1915. Percy was killed in action during the British offensive at Helles, Gallipoli on 13 July 1915. His records indicate that he was found and buried by the French after being identified by his paybook. His battlefield grave’s location was subsequently lost and he is honoured on the Helles Memorial to the Missing, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Percy Gofton Batty was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
Civil Parish: Gateshead
Birth date: 28-Dec-1895
Death date: 13-Jul-1915
Armed force/civilian: Navy
Residence: 155 Westbourne Avenue, Gateshead (1901 census)
110 Windsor Avenue, Gateshead (1911 census)
Employment: Grocer’s assistant (1911 census)
Family: Parents: Henry Batty (1865-1929), Emily Sarah Batty nee Clayton (1874-1952)
Siblings: Godfrey Dykes Batty (1898-1969), Harold Clayton Batty (1899-1952), Edgar Oliver Batty (1905-1964)
Military service:
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Able seaman
Service Number TZ/3093
Royal Naval Division
A company, Nelson Battalion
Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
Victory Medal
British War Medal
Memorial(s): Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey
Book of Remembrance 1914-18, Bensham, Gateshead
Roll of Honour 1914-18, St Chad’s Church, Bensham, Gateshead
Wayside Calvary 1914-18, Bensham, Gateshead
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham