PERCY REID HAWKINS (1911-1940)

During World War 2 Trebartha Hall, which had stood unoccupied, was requisitioned by the government for military use. It was used by the British Army and then by the US Army as a hospital for wounded troops. The first person we have discovered who was either staff or patient at the hospital was Percy Reid Hawkins of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was brought to the hall in October 1940 and sadly died there on 22nd October 1940.

Percy was born and brought up in Stratford on Avon and it is possible that just the few days before his death were the only time he ever spent in Cornwall.

The circumstances of Percy's death have been recorded in "The Post and Weekly News" a forerunner of the "Cornish and Devon Post". This also explains his connection with North Hill which was very short indeed but his presence here on our Roll of Honour may be the only place where he is remembered and his story told.

Percy was buried in St Stephen's by Launceston Churchyard.

The life of Percy is being researched by his relation, Anthony Hawkins (the grandson of Percy's first cousin), and more about Percy will appear here when Anthony's research is complete. If you can help in any way, please get in touch with us; we are in contact with Anthony.

From what he has found out so far it is possible that:
- Percy was at Dunkirk and a good swimmer and that how he's escaped from the beaches
- Royal Warwickshire 2nd Battalion deployments were in the thick of action in France and at Dunkirk
- Percy was promoted in the field to the rank of Sergeant having led a group of soldiers to safety in France
- His wife, Gladys, was Indian and her father was a wealthy trader
- After Percy's death she apparently moved to Bristol
- His name has not been found on any war memorial