Lance-Corporal Percy Edward Woodcroft, 9353, 2nd Beds Regt, was killed in action on October 31st, 1914. He was aged 23 and son of Mr and Mrs Edwin Woodcroft, of 73 Ivy Road, Luton.

A native of Colchester, he came to Luton with his parents and, with his brothers and sister, went to Surrey Street School. After leaving school he joined the Volunteers as a bugler boy, and when old enough enlisted with the Bedfords, going to Aldershot and from there to South Africa.

He spent three years in South Africa, and on the outbreak of war returned to Southampton with his regiment, and was home on 24 hours leave before going to the front.

His father, three uncles and five cousins were serving with the colours, while a brother who belonged to the Luton branch of the St John Ambulance Society was going out with the British Red Cross Society as a hospital orderly.