With Most Magnificent Courage.

GV Distinguished Conduct Medal.
5822 Pte. P. C. Blazeby, 2nd Rifle Brigade.

Percy Charles Blazeby was born in Ilford and his birth registered in the last quarter of 1898, but he does not seem to be recorded on the 1901 Census. His army service number would suggest that he enlisted for the army as a career soldier after the outbreak of the First World War. He certainly didn't go to France before 1916 as he is not entitled to the 1914 or 1914-15 Star; presumably he would have been under age until after his 18th birthday in late 1916.
In 1917, Percy was on the Western Front serving in the 2nd Rifle Brigade, a regular battalion which was part of the 8th Division. On July 31st, the 3rd Battle of Ypres began when nine divisions of the Fifth Army attacked east and north east of Ypres. The 2nd Rifle Brigade took part in the 8th Division's attack on the Westhoek Ridge, advancing soon after 10.00am but being unable to keep up with the artillery barrage and suffering heavy casualties from machine-gun and rifle fire on the forward slopes of the ridge. At 1.00pm, the Battalion were holding a defensive line 700 yards in length and orders were later received to consolidate the position.

From 5.00pm till dark, the enemy made repeated efforts to push forward. According to the account published in The Rifle Brigade Chronicle 1919, "The enemy kept all our posts under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, and any movement of runners, etc., was attended by great danger." The Rifle Brigade History states: "From 5.00pm onwards the enemy continually threatened the position of the Battalion on the south of the railway. All available S.A.A. was sent up." It seems most likely that it was here that Percy Blazeby's gallantry was recognized by the award of the DCM. The announcement of the award first appeared in the London Gazette on 22nd October 1917 and the full citation on 26th January 1918.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when acting as Battalion runner. He carried many messages to advanced positions under the most dangerous conditions, continually volunteering for another run when all the other runners were either killed or wounded. When a hostile counter-attack was attempted he went back through heavy machine-gun and sniping fire and succeeded in bringing up ammunition which was urgently required. Throughout the day he behaved with most magnificent courage."

The 2nd Rifle Brigade took part in another attack in the same area on 16th - 17th August, when their task was to mop up after the two attacking battalions. Following this there was a period of training in Kortepyp Camp before a return to brigade support near Ploegsteert Wood on 11th September. On the 19th, the Battalion moved into the line in the St. Yves - Warneton sector and here, on 23rd, the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt to raid the Battalion's position. According to the Regimental History, no Germans managed to enter the British trenches but casualties were inflicted on both sides. Percy Charles Blazeby is recorded as having been killed in action on this day. He is remembered with honour in Prowse Point Military Cemetery.