PERCIVAL, ARTHUR JEX BLAKE, Captain,
was born 1 December 1870, youngest son of the Right Reverend John Percival,
Bishop of Hereford, and Louisa (who died in 1896), daughter of James
Holland. He entered Marlborough College in 1885, but went on to Rugby in
1887, when his father was appointed Head Master of the school. He was in
the XV in 1889; was gazetted to the Northumberland Fusiliers 20 February
1892, and was promoted Lieutenant 27 October 1894. He served in the Nile
Expedition of 1898, taking part in the Battle of Khartoum (Medal and
Egyptian Medal with clasp). He became Captain on 17 February 1900. Captain
Percival served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was in the advance
on Kimberley, including the actions at Belmont and Modder River. He was
afterwards on the Staff 22 April 1901 to 30 June 1902; was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 26 January 1900, 10 September 1901, and 18 July
1902]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, the King's Medal with
two clasps; was placed on the list of Officers considered qualified for
Staff employment, in consequence of service on the Staff in the Field, and
was created a Companion, of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette,
27 September 1901]: "Arthur Jex Blake Percival, Captain, Northumberland
Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 24 October 1902. He saw
active service in the Egyptian Army, under Lord Kitchener, 1 January 1903 to
12 January 1908; was in command of the Camel Corps, and served in operations
against Nigam-Nigam Tribes in the Bahr-el-Ghezal province, and at Talodi, in
Southern Kordofan (two clasps and 4th Class Medjidie; Despatches 13 May
1906). He was promoted Major 15 August 1908, and later was employed on the
Staff at the War Office and at the Staff College. He went to the Front at
the beginning of the European War of 1914, as General Staff Officer to Major
General Monro, Commander of the 2nd Division and later of the 1st Army
Corps; was mentioned in Despatches by Sir John French 8 October 1914, and
was one of the first English officers to receive the Cross of the Legion of
Honour (Croix d'Officier). A week before his death it was decided that he
was to be given a brigade immediately. He was told of this, but did not
live long enough to be gazetted. Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel)
Percival was killed on 31 October 1914, by a shell, with four other officers
of the Staff of the 1st and 2nd Divisions, who had met for a conference in
the Chateau of La Hogue. General Lomax, who was present at this conference,
was wounded, and subsequently died of his wounds. Field Marshal Lord
Methuen, GCB, GCVO, CMG, wrote: "I had no officer serving under me in the
South African War whose service as a regimental officer I valued more
highly. He was a born leader of men, of splendid courage, and possessing a
character which inspired all with whom he came in contact". General
Gorringe, CB, CMG, DSO, said: "He was the best Stall officer I have ever had
I don't say this only now. I have said so for some time, and had he been
given, as he deserved, a command during the war, he would have won still
higher honours". A brother officer wrote: "He and I were in the Egyptian
Army together, and I learnt out there to admire his wonderful energy and
great strength of character. I shall never forget the day he rode quietly
into Wau, in the Bahr-el-Ghezal, on the date he said he would arrive, after
a most extraordinary journey, in which his great qualities had had full
play. His Arabs simply worshipped him. By his death we have lost one of
the best officers in the army, and at a time when men of his type are
priceless". Others spoke in these terms: "A very gallant soldier, loyal,
straight, and the best of friends, with never an unkind word". "He was one
of the few men I have ever met who apparently did not know fear". "The
whole army knew of his splendid qualities. I always used to talk of him as
the bravest man I have ever known. He simply knew no fear". The Sirdar, Mr
Asquith, Lord Lincolnshire, General von Donop, General Monro, General
Belfield and many others sent telegrams and letters to Lieutenant Colonel
Percival's family expressing their sorrow at his death. A letter from a
private in his company sums up the general opinion of this gallant officer:
"It is said that there are men who fear not death on the battlefield.
Certainly no one could have faced death with more serene courage. His
absolute indifference to danger was the theme of frequent discussion among
the men. His infectious gaiety—no other word is applicable to his demeanour
under fire—made a vivid impression upon us young soldiers". Captain
Percival married, in 1907, Cecil, daughter of Charles Henry Henland, and
founder of the Princess Christian Hammersmith Day Nursery and of the
National Society of Day Nurseries, and who has also published several
children's books.
DSO, Queens Sudan
(Lt 1/North Fus), QSA (4) Bel M-R OFS Trans (Capt, DSO, 1/North Fus), KSA
(2) (Capt, DSO, North Fus),1914 Star and Bar (Lt Col DSO), BWM, [Victory
Medal], 1911 Coronation, Legion dHonneur (France) 4th Class,
Order of the Medjidie (Turkey) 4th Class, Khedives Sudan (3)
Khartoum Nyam Nyam Talodi (Lt).
Glendinings 1989
£1,100.
