Eminson, Richard Percival
222599 Gunner, 2nd Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Guards)
died 2nd March 1918 aged 21.
Percy, a bachelor, the son of William Cowper (a farmer) and Annie Amelia Eminson (nee Raddish) was born on 18th September 1896. His parents were both born in Scotter and the family home was French Cottage, later High View, on Messingham Road.
His father was the youngest brother of Thomas Benjamin Franklin Eminson, the village doctor.
Percy's older sister and brother were Maud Agnes and William Astley and his younger sister was Dorothy Amelia. Their early education was probably at the school of Miss Evershed ('Fedda'), the Eminson family governess.
From September 1911 to July 1913 he was a weekly boarder at Brigg Grammar School and was one of the founding contributors who set up the school magazine 'The Briggensian'.
After completing his education he was employed in the family business and became a 'stockman and general farm worker'.
Percy enlisted on 11th December 1915 and was placed on Army Reserve until mobilised on 15th March 1917 to join the Royal Field Artillery. He was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 136 pounds, and was posted for training to 1 Depot, Newcastle before moving to Catterick Camp in Yorkshire.
There on 15th May it was confirmed he had contracted pleurisy but it wasn't until 22nd September that they declared him medically unfit. Percy was discharged on 13th October with these words placed on record regarding his illness and expected time away from the Army:-
'Not result of, but aggravated by Military Service. Not permanent and so minimum duration of 12 months...'
His death was reported by the 'Lincolnshire Star' :-
'It is with deep regret we have to record the death on March 2nd of Richard Percival (Percy) Eminson, late RFA, the younger son of Mr and Mrs W. C. Eminson, High View. The deceased donned khaki in February of last year and but few months had passed ere he was stricken with pleurisy and other allied troubles. After spending some months in hospital he was thought to be on the road to recovery and returned home in the autumn, but unfortunately he had to take to his bed practically at once and was never able to leave it until his death as above stated.
The funeral took place on Tuesday of last week. The remains were first taken to the United Methodist Chapel where the service was conducted by army chaplain Capt W'm Jollans. Afterwards the cortege went to the Parish Church where the Rector the Rev. J. Blew officiated, Capt Jollans assisting by reading the lessons. At the graveside the hymn, "Jesu, lover of my soul" was sung. The coffin was of polished oak and bore the inscription "Richard Percival Eminson, born March 22nd 1896 (sic), died March 2nd 1918". The undertaker was Mr W'm Sizer and the brickwork vault and its decorations the work of Mr Alf Laughton. On Sunday afternoon a muffled peal was rung on the church bells.'
In 1923 his school unveiled a War Memorial to those former pupils who lost their lives, which included Richard Percival Eminson. Although entitled to be, he is not listed on the Commonwealth War Graves website.
His demise may have been caused by tuberculosis. After many attempts searches of Scotter Churchyard have managed to find his resting place.
His cousins Robert and Herbert are also remembered on our War Memorial.