FRANCIS PERCIVAL HOLMES 1887–1969

South Notts Hussars Officers cap badge in bronze.

Born 24th November 1887 in Eastbourne

Married in 1920 to Mary Elizabeth Green, daughter of William Pacey Green

Died 6th October 1969, 34 Vicarage Road, East Sheen, St Marylebone, London

1891 Census

Age 4 living on 9 Regent St, Basford, with father George, lace manufacturer, mother, Harriet, sister Marie 8 and grandmother Annie Holmes, milliner.

1901 Census

Age 14 at boarding school, St Georges College, Woburn Park, Addlestone, Chertsey.

In 1910 his father George Holmes held land on Shelford Road, Radcliffe on Trent (Land Registry).

1911 Census

Living at Campbell House, Shelford Road, Radcliffe on Trent with father George Harry 55, a lace manufacturer,  mother Harriet Eugenie Holmes 52, sister Marie Mabel Holmes 28 and two servants, Annie Knight and Lily Hewins. He was working as a lace warehouseman.

Military Service

The London Gazette  Territorial Force, South Notts Hussars,  2nd Lieutenant from 28 September 1914

Rank: Captain 1.6.1916 in 2nd Battalion South Notts Hussars (2nd Lt. 28.9.1914 Forces War Records)

Military Unit: Machine Gun Corps previously 1/1st Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (South Notts. Hussars) 1st Mounted Division

Theatre of War: Egypt, from 4.7.17; France and Flanders from 19.8.18.

Other information

The 1st Mounted Division arrived in Egypt in July 1917 and was placed under orders of Desert Mounted Corps. In April 1918 they merged with the Warwickshire Yeomanry to form Battalion B of the Machine Gun Corps. In May they sailed back to France on HMS Leasowe Castle, which was torpedoed. Rescued men returned to Egypt then finally arrived in Italy, June 21st 1918 from where they moved on to Etaples, France arriving August 19th 1918. They were then renamed 100 Battalion Machine Gun Corps (source www.1914-1918.net).

Medals Awarded: British War and Victory

Military Personnel Address on 1918 Electoral Register

Campbell House, Shelford Rd, Radcliffe on Trent

Other information

His sister Marie Mabel Holmes worked as a V.A.D. in Nottingham during the war.

His wife Mary was living with her aunt Sarah Green in 1911 at The Chestnuts, Radcliffe on Trent.

1921 Census

Address: 11 Malvern Road, Nottingham

Employment: warehouseman, Lace Mfg, Donald and Co, Kings Walk, Nottm.

Household: wife Mary, Emma Burton, domestic servant

1939 Register

Address: Main Road, Bingham

Occupation: plain net manufacturer

Household: living with wife Mary born 8.12.1896, Mary’s father William Pacey Green, retired farmer, and her brother Charles Green, poultry farmer. There are two other members of the household whose records are officially closed.

Reasons for inclusion on Radcliffe on Trent Roll of Honour

Lived in Radcliffe on Trent.