Soldier who lost his left leg at the Somme - photographs donated for The People's Collection

Private Charles Henry Perry, served with the Gloucestershire Reg/8th Worcestershire Reg and lost his left leg at the Battle of the Somme.

Perry's Grandson has shared photos from his Grandfather's life from the Somme back to Worcester for inclusion in The People's Collection planned for 2018.

Charles Perry was born on 18 September 1882 in Cirencester, Gloucestershire and died, aged 86 in 1968 in Worcester. He married Florence Sandles in Worcester in October 1913, they lived in Henwick Road and had 8 children, his first son was born on 23 December 1914. Florence died in 1954 aged 69.

Here Private Perry sits with his children in uniform during World War Two.

Private Perry went to war in 1914 and was injured during The Battle of the Somme in 1916. The Macdonalds, his descendents, believe his leg amputation took place on The Somme. Private Perry was one of the first injured service men to live in the houses at Gheluvelt Park when the houses first opened.

Private Perry is the sat on the front row, first on the left.

Perry's Grandson said: “We are still researching my Grandfather’s military records however what we have found so far has shown that despite such a significant injury at the Battle of the Somme Charles Perry remained active throughout his life. Through sharing our family story we can make some real connections between the Battle of the Somme and Worcester hopefully bringing the impact and reality of that Battle to life for future generations.”

Do you have a family story to share or memorabilia you would like to loan or donate for The People's Collection? Get in touch with us here.