Corporal Percy Charles Boxall of the Royal Sussex Regiment and Royal Flying Corps, was born at Tillington, Sussex, on the 6th of October, 1893, where he was baptised on the 26th of November, the son of James and Emma Boxall.

The 1901 census records him living with his family at Midhurst Road, Tillington. James, aged 37, was a builder, on his own account, born at Tillington, where all were born, except for Emma, aged 33, who was born at Shalford, Surrey. Children recorded are James, aged 8. Percy, aged 7, Emma, aged 5, Frances, aged 2 and Alice, aged “0”. Also, with the family was Frances, the widowed mother of James, aged 78. Percy went to Tillington school before leaving on the 19th of December 1907.

In 1911 the family were at Fir Grove, Tillington. James and Emma have been married for nineteen years and have produced five children, all still alive. Children recorded are James, assisting in the business, Percy, a carpenter, Emma, an elementary school teacher, Frances and Alice. Boarding with the family is elementary school teacher, Maria Stinger, aged 27, born at Barnsley, Yorkshire.

Percy enlisted into the Royal Sussex Regiment whilst working as a carpenter and joiner for his father, on the 20th September 1914 at Petworth. On the 21st of September he had his medical examination at Horsham. He was given the regimental number 2181 and posted to the 1st/4th Reserve Battalion. He served at home 21st of September 1914 to the 16th of July 1915.

His battalion joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force which embarked at Devonport on the 17th July 1915. 

Percy was admitted to the 19th General Hospital Alexandria on the 16th of September 1915. He was evacuated back home on the 29th of October on the hospital ship Asturias arriving back on the 8th of November.

On the 4th of March 1916 he was discharged to Royal Flying Corps. Percy then attested into the service the following day as a rigger and joined at South Farnborough.

On the 1st of July 1916 he was posted to “C” Squadron, the Central Flying School at Upavon, Wiltshire and appointed an Airman. He was appointed Acting Corporal on the 24th of February 1917 and then Corporal on the 1st of July.

On the 19th of December 1917 at Upavon he was struck by Avro 504, serial number A1986 and killed. He is buried in the churchyard extension beneath a non CWGC cross with an RFC and Royal Sussex Regiment badge inscribed.