Born: Budleigh Salterton, Devon on 10.11.1896.  Parents: Richard George Cook Anniss (Carpenter) [see details below] and Lily Elizabeth [née Cooper].  Family Connections: Bother to William John Anniss [b1889] and brother-in-law of William James Reginald Atherton DCM [b1895]. Home: 17 Cliff Road, Budleigh Salterton, Devon (1901 and 1911), Cock and Bell Inn, Hall Street, Long Melford (1939), 15 Exeter Gate, South Molton, Devon [1973].  Occupation: Grocer’s Errand Boy (1911), Hotel Proprietor of the Cock and Bell Inn (1939).  Married: Rosa Lavis in 1922.  Service Record: Percy was conscripted in 1915 as Pte.15728 with 8^th [Service] Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, posted to France from 15.12.1915 as part of 20^th Brigade, 7^th Division.  His battalion saw action during the Somme Offensive of 1916 and at the Battles of Arras and Third Ypres in 1917.  In December 1917 8^th Devons was posted to Italy, taking up position on the Piave Front.  Private Anniss returned to England, transferring to the Army Reserve in March 1919.  Died: South Molton, Devon on 22.7.1973.[1]

[1] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 6.1.1897, All Saints Church, East Budleigh, Devon.  For details of 8^th Devonshire’s movements on the Western Front and in Italy see War Diaries [The National Archives – WO 95/1655/2] and [TNA – WO 95/4224].  See also his Medal Roll [TNA – WO 329] and Medal Index Card [TNA – WO 372].  Date of death from the National Probate Calendar.