Private Percy Wardle
35898 Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment)
Percy was born in 1890 at Westwood, Notts son of John Wardle a forgeman born Selston and his wife Bessie Ann (nee Blagg) born at Sutton-in-Ashfield. He had brothers and sisters Hannah Etty, Emma, Adeline, John Harold, Eveline and Edward Leslie. His parents married at Brinsley on Christmas Day 1871, and by 1881 had set up home at Old Westwood, when John was employed as an iron puddler. They were still at the same address in 1911 when John was a colliery onsetter and Percy, then aged 21, was a colliery banksman.
Percy attested with the Sherwood Foresters on 11th December 1915 when he was aged 25 years and 8 months. He was 5′ 9 inches tall and had brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. He gave his occupation as sawyer. He was mobilized on 17th February 1916, joining the Sherwoods. He served at home in the UK for the duration of his service. In March 1917 he spent a month with No. 6 Agricultural Company and in April was transferred to the Sheepbridge Coal & Iron Company in Chesterfield. Later in 1917 he was found no longer physically fit for war service as he was suffering with bronchitis and was awarded Silver War Badge, no 499088, and a pension which was to be reviewed a year later.
In 1918 Percy married Eva Barson in the Chesterfield District and they went on to have children Harold and Phyllis.