Mexborough and Swinton Times, October 28, 1916

Acting Sergeant Major P.Sayles
(York & Lancs)

Mrs Sayles of 55, Victoria Road, has received information that her husband, acting Sergeant Major Percy Sayles (York and Lancs) has been killed in action.

Private T Jackson writes:

“he was struck by an enemy bomb on the evening of October 1. We had been through the worst part of the struggle earlier on in the evening, which poor Percy did some excellent work, everyone remarking on his coolness and bravery. He was always a good true pal, and died a noble and heroic death, fighting for his country.”

Second Lieutenant S Riddell writes:

“I have the deepest regret in announcing to you the death of your husband. He was acting Sgt Major to the company, and no man ever showed a better, a braver or a fine example than he did, and all his officers deeply regret his loss, whilst praising him for his courage and devotion to duty. His death was instantaneous, and therefore painless. He was killed while leading his men into action. A heavy battle was going on, but your husband was duly buried.

Company quartermaster T Clarkson also sent a letter to Mrs Sayles in which he says:

“I have to inform you that person was killed in action on 1 October. He died a hero’s death, leading his men into action. I’m sending you a few things that belong to him; they were given to me by his men. His death was instantaneous, and he was buried by private W Day, of Bolton on Dearne, who was killed two hours afterwards.”

Sergeant Major Sayles leaves a widow and three young children. He enlisted in September 1914 and went to France in August 1915. Previous to listen to you to Derek at Maine. Several years ago I was a prominent friendly society worker, having gone through the various offices of the “Watsons Delight,” Lodge of the Order of Druids (Rotherham Equalised district).