Roll of Honour
Private Percy Busby
Service Number: 203275
Regiment: Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (1st/4th)
Conflict: World War One
Date of Death: 5th April 1917
Age at Death: 19
Burial/Memorial Location: Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, Somme, France
Son of Alfred & Emily Ann Busby.
"From a letter received by Mrs Alfred Busby, of Lower Arncott, it appears that her son Trooper Percy Busby, of the Q.O.O.H., is missing and feared killed. Her informant is Trooper Busby’s officer, who writes: "He went out on patrol work along with nine others of his platoon, and got fired on with machine guns when only 40 yards from the German line. The party suffered severely, and it was impossible for them in their weak state to attempt to get your son back, as he was severely hit. I sent out another party at once, but they were unable to find his body."
No official news has been received, and the letter leaves grounds for hope that he may be a prisoner. Although only 19 years of age he has been serving in the Hussars nearly two years. It is presumed that the incident referred to above took place on the 4th or 5th instant, as the letter received was dated April 6." Bicester Herald 20/04/1917
"We recently published a letter which was received by Mr and Mrs Alfred Busby, of Arncott, from an officer of the Q.O.O.H., which reported the death in action during the first few days in April of their son, Trooper Percy Busby, Q.O.O.H. An official notification of this fact has now been received, together with a further letter from his officer, who wrote: “Your son’s body was found when we advanced, and I saw him buried and a cross put over his grave. Your son was one of our best soldiers, and could always be trusted to do any job he undertook thoroughly. His loss is greatly felt by us all. Please accept from the officers and men of the Company our warmest sympathy.” Although he had been serving for some two years, he was but 19 years of age." Bicester Herald 04/05/1917