A LUSTLEIGH soldier is to be remembered 100 years after he fell in battle.

Tomorrow will mark the centenary of the death of Lce Cpl Percival George Brimblecombe.

From 10am to 10.30am the lanes of the pretty moorland village will echo to a half-muffled peal from the bell tower of St John the Baptist parish church where, a century earlier, a memorial service was held for the young soldier.

This will be followed later at nearby Bovey Tracey where a poppy-laying service at the town’s heritage centre will take place at 11.30am. Both events are to be attended by Percival’s great-niece from Plymouth, and all are welcome.

Lce Cpl Brimblecombe had lied about his age to join the Army in 1916. Shipped to France in 1917, he died, aged just 18, on the last day in May, 1918, during the Battle of the Aisne.

Local historian Chris Wilson explained: ‘Shortly after midday, the enemy commenced heavy shelling. With the troops lying out in the open with practically no cover, significant casualties were sustained.

‘During this fighting, Percy was killed by a shell, and a further 41 men lost their lives that day.

‘In July that year, a memorial service was held for him in St John the Baptist Church. The parish magazine stated: “He will be remembered by us as earnest in his religious duties and of upright life. He has left behind him an honourable record. May he rest in peace.”

‘He was buried alongside some of his comrades in Chambrecy British Cemetery, not far from where he fell.’

Percy was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal and his name can be read on the war memorials of Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey.

Rather touchingly, a more poignant memorial to Percy was made by his elder brother, Reginald, who served as a First Air Mechanic in the RAF.

He ensured his memory lived on in the family by giving his daughter, Peggy Georgette Brimblecombe, the same initials as his brother.