PERKINS, John T

John Perkins was born and lived in Lye. He enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry but was transferred to the East Kents, the Buffs. In March 1918 he was in the 6th Battalion in the 12th Division facing the first German Spring offensive near St. Quentin. They were driven back to Amiens with great losses but in August they began the Advance to Victory. The enemy were forced back towards the Hindenburg Line and by mid-September they were east of Peronne and advancing towards St. Quentin. However, near Ronssoy the enemy resistance stiffened and casualties were taken. Among them was Private John Perkins who was killed in action on the 20th September. He is buried at Unicorn Cemetery, Lempire (III D 6) and is commemorated on the Lye and Wollescote and Lye church Memorials.