16/06/2026
Wow ….. look at this ….
Percy Bentley was born in Knottingley in January 1891. He grew up at Bridge House in Knottingley living with his father, James William Bentley, who was an Auctioneer, Valuer and Land Agent, his mother Helena and his siblings.
While at school, Percy joined the Officer Training Corps, starting a long and decorated military career. He was commissioned into the Territorial Army in 1910 and posted to the 5th Battalion KOYLI.
Percy reached France in April 1915. His first Military Cross was awarded in January 1917, and the following 3 from September 1918 to January 1919.
The citation for his second Military Cross described how Percy had shown ‘great tact’ in moving the battalion to a better position, launching a counterattack. He was described as showing ‘fine courage and powers of leadership’.
His third award was in recognition of him going forward under heavy fire, organising defence, and bringing back important information. The citation describes his ‘untiring energy’ and ‘disregard for his own safety’.
His final award, although gazetted in January 1919, was in recognition of Percy’s actions at the Battle of Havrincourt in September 1918. Again, Percy put himself in grave danger to go move under enemy shellfire to gather information, followed by ‘another reconnaissance of great value’. The citation for his third bar describes how throughout the dangerous operations he was ‘indefatigable and showed great courage.’
Percy remained with the army after the end of the war.