Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Henry Hougham, a baker, born in the January quarter of 1850 in Broadstairs, Kent and baptised on the 12th May 1850 in St. Peter’s Church, St. Peter in Thanet, Kent (son of William Henry Hougham, 1823 and Ann Mortley, 1826) and his wife Rachel Hougham (nee Paskell, married on the 29th May 1871 in St. Paul’s Church, Deptford, Kent), born in the April quarter of 1852 in Bermondsey, Surrey (daughter of Edward Paskell and Mary Ann Dunnett). Percival John was born in the January quarter of 1889 in Wigston, Leicestershire, his siblings were, William Charles, a boot trade finisher, born on the 13th December 1872 and baptised on the 2nd March 1873 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Surrey, Arthur Edward, a baker, born on the 1st October 1876 and baptised on the 31st December 1876 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Henry Victor, a schoolboy, born in the October quarter of 1879 and baptised on the 1st February 1880 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Stanley George, a schoolboy, born in the April quarter of 1881 and baptised on the 11th May 1883 in St. James’s Church, Bermondsey and Maud Beatrice Rachel, a schoolgirl, born on the 23rd January 1883 and baptised on the 11th May 1883 in St. James’s Church, Bermondsey, the latter five siblings were all born in Bermondsey, Joseph, a schoolboy, born in the July quarter of 1885 in Evington, Leicester and Amy Louise, born on the 8th June 1887 in Wigston, in April 1891 the family home was in Water Street, Wigston Magna, Leicestershire. In March 1901 Percival was residing in the family home at 2, Healey Street, Wigston Magna, together with his father, a factory stoker, his mother and siblings, Albert Ernest, a shoe trade rivetter, born on the 22nd June 1874 in Bermondsey and baptised on the 31st December 1876 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Arthur, a shoe trade rivetter, Harry, a shoe trade rivetter, Maud, a shoe trade rivetter, Joseph, Amy, an elastic trade weaver, Wallace Vane, born in the October quarter of 1891 and Dora Alice, born on the 4th April 1895 and baptised on the 20th July 1909 in The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, Glen Parva and South Wigston, Leicestershire, the latter two siblings were both born in Wigston Magna. In April 1911 Percival was absent from the family home at 6, Healey Street, Wigston Magna, residing there was his father, a building contractor’s carter, his mother and siblings, Wallace, a shoe trade finisher and Dora, a boot and shoe trade machinist, meanwhile Percival was serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed at Fort Saint George, Madras, India. Percival’s younger brother Wallace, died from a perforated gastric ulcer, on the 18th November 1915
Percival enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 20th January 1905 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 7633. He gave his place of birth as Wigston, Leicestershire and age as 18 years 1 month. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as shoe hand.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 28th January 1905 and recorded his birthplace as Wigston, Leicester, declared age as 18 years 1 month, trade or occupation as shoe hand, that he was 5-feet 7⅛ inches in height, weighed 126 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 32 and 34½ inches, his physical development was described as good. Enlisted at Leicester on the 28th January 1905. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years 1 month, height 5-feet 7⅛ inches weight 126 lbs, chest measurement of between 32 and 34½ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, Scar left loin, mole 2½ inches below navel. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 28th January 1905. Place Leicester.
After six months service and gymnastic course his height was 5-foot 7¾ inches, his weight was 144 lbs and had a chest measurement of 32 to 34 inches.
He gave his next of kin as his father. William Hougham, mother Mary Hougham, brothers (y) Joseph Hougham, (o) Harry Hougham, sisters, Maud and Amy Hougham, Healy Street, Wigston, Leicester, brother (o) William Hougham, Clifford Street, Wigston, Leicester.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Enlisted At Leicester. 28/1/05.
Posted. To King’s Royal Rifle Corps. 28/1/05.
Transferred. To Leicestershire Regt (Authy para 131 Rec. Regs. 04). 31/1/05.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 31/1/05.
Transferred. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Colchester. 9/5/05 – 27/8/06.
Granted. Messing allowance. 28/12/05.
Transferred. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Leicester. 27/8/06 – 27/11/06.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Shorncliffe. 28/11/06 – 4/2/07.
Granted. Service Pay Class -?-. 28/1/07.
Awarded. 1st Good Conduct Badge (without pay). 28/1/07.
Embarked. Per S.S. Plessy. 5/2/07 – 27/2/07.
Disembarked. Belgaum. 28/2/07 – 11/2/11.
Forfeits. 1st Good Conduct Badge for misconduct. 24/7/07.
Posted. To Madras. 13/2/11 – 4/2/13.
Posted. To Bareilly. 11/2/13 – 13/3/13.
Posted. To Ranikhet. 18/3/13 – 20/10/13.
Posted. To Bareilly. 24/10/13.
Transferred. To Army Reserve. 7/2/14.
Mobilized. 4/8/14.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 4/8/14.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 20/9/14.
Embarked. 19/9/14.
Landed. 20/9/14.
Joined. 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
Wounded in action. In the Field. 18/2/15.
Admitted. To 18th Field Ambulance, gunshot wound to head. In the Field. 18/2/15.
Admitted. To No.2 C. Hospital. 19/2/15.
Admitted. To 10th General Hospital. 21/2/15.
Transferred. To England. 1/3/15.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. 3/3/15
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 16/4/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (paid). Cosham. 4/5/15
Appointed. Acting Corporal. Hull. 3/6/15.
Forfeits pay for absence (8 days). 5/10/15 – 12/10/15.
Embarked. From Southampton. 11/10/15.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 15/10/15
Joined. 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field. 20/10/15.
Reverts. To Lance Corporal on joining 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 20/10/15.
Embarked. From Marseille. 10/11/15.
Disembarked. At Alexandria. 17/11/15.
Embarked. From Port Suez. 23/11/15.
Disembarked. At Basrah. 8/12/15.
Promoted. To Corporal. In the Field. 2/1/16.
Wounded in action. In the Field. 6-7/1/16.
Died of wounds received in action. In the Field. 8/1/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 28/1/05 – 4/2/07. 2 years 8 days.
India. 5/2/07 – 5/2/14. 7 years 1 day.
Home Service. 6/2/14 – 19/9/14. 226 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 20/9/14 – 2/3/15. 164 days.
Home Service. 3/3/15 – 14/10/15. 226 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 15/10/15 – 13/11/15. 30 days.
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. 14/11/15 – 8/1/16. 55 days.
Total Service. 10 years 345 days.
He was awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
On the 14th August 1916, Percival’s mother, Rachel, of 6, Healey Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire, was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of five shillings, commensurate on the 22nd August 1916.
The War Diary records: 6 Jan-16 – Right Bank Column Operation Orders for 6th issued. Extracts from Right Bank Column Operation Orders and Battalion Orders. First day of battle of SHAIKH SA’AD. March was to have been resumed at 8.00am with intention of bivouacking that night at bend of river immediately up-stream from SHAIKH SA’AD but was much delayed by heavy mist. At about 10.00am march was resumed, the Battalion forming part of the Main Body, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) leading. On nearing HIBSH, at about 12.00 noon, the enemy were reported in an entrenched position, about 2 miles South East of SHAIKH SA’AD, extending from river bank for some 1500 yards. The Battalion now deployed into line of Companies in fours, at 50 paces interval, and 200 yards in rear of 56th (F.F.) RIFLES. Battalion continued advance in this formation, and was eventually ordered to prolong this line to the left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon at 200 yards distance. At about 2.00pm orders were issued to attack this position and advance to the bend in the river at SHAIKH SA’AD. The attack commenced with units of the Brigade in following formation: - 56th RIFLES (F.F.) on the right, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon 200 yards distance to the left, 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in echelon 200 yards distance to left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.), the 51st SIKHS (F.F.) being in reserve. The Battalion advanced in the following formation (distance from the enemy’s position now about 1500x)
Firing line: “B” Company (2 platoons) 200 yards width – “A” Company (2 platoons) 200 yards width
200 yards gap
Support line “B” Company (2 platoons) 200 yards width – “A” Company (2 platoons) 200 yards width
400 yards gap
Battalion Reserve line “D” Company 200 yards width – “C” Company 200 yards width
200 yards gap
Battalion Reserve (Major Henderson) “D” Company 200 yards width – “C” Company 200 yards width
The attack progressed and was met by very heavy rifle and machine gun fire. At 3.06pm message was forwarded to Brigade stating enemy’s cavalry working round left flank of the Battalion. At 3.18pm report forwarded to Brigade stating enemy’s firing line extended a long way to left of Battalion, that enemy had reinforced their firing line and that the Battalion had only one double Company (“D” Company) in reserve (“C” Company having reinforced the firing line). At 4.00pm message received from Brigade in reply to our L I 9 (Appendix XIII) stating cavalry and Brigade Machine Gun Company assisting on left flank. The advance continued and at 4.30pm Officer Commanding “B” Company was ordered to advance in echelon to the rest of the line, keeping his left slightly thrown back. At 4.35pm Major HENDERSON, Commanding Battalion Reserve, was instructed to bring the rest of the reserve (“D” Company) gradually closer. After suffering considerable losses, the firing line reached a line about 500 yards from enemy’s trenches. Here it became evident that the enemy’s line was thrown forward and that the left of the Battalion was becoming enveloped. There was considerable movement of the enemy round the left flank of the Battalion, and it was from there subjected to enfilade fire. It was now obvious that any further advance would, without reinforcements being sent up to take on the enemy’s right, be extremely inadvisable. At 5.00pm a message explaining the situation was despatched to 28th Brigade. The whole line of the Brigade was therefore ordered to entrench itself and establish a strong position during the night, from which the attack could resume the next day. A message was accordingly sent out to Officers Commanding Companies, the left flank of the Battalion (“D” Company with 2 Machine Guns) being to some considerable extent thrown back. During the days operations the following casualties occurred: - Wounded – Captain McINTYRE, 2nd Lieutenant’s SWINDELLS, REDWOOD, GWYTHER (died of wounds 8/1/16), GODFREY, FRASER, PRIVETT (died of wounds 10/1/16). During the night ammunition supplies and rations were brought up, and Companies were reorganised. For dispositions of Companies during night see rough sketch. The Regimental Stretcher bearers, who did excellent work under Lance Corporal QUEENAN throughout operations, brought in the killed and wounded of the Battalion and other regiments. The ammunition supply worked extremely well. Enemy kept up a continuous rifle and machine gun fire during the night.
The War Diary records: 7 Jan-16 - At 11.12am orders were received that the attack would shortly be renewed on both banks. In the meantime, enemy’s line was subjected to bombardment from 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. Orders were received to renew the attack at 2.00pm, the Battalion moving forward as soon as 53rd SIKHS were seen to leave their trenches. The 92nd PUNJABIS had now been attached to the Brigade to support the attack on the left of the Battalion. “A” and “B” Companies advanced in short sharp rushes, supported by “C” Company, “D” Company being kept close up in reserve under cover. The advance progressed in spite of very strong opposition and “D” Company was thrown in, the whole Battalion finally carrying out the assault successfully over about 300 yards. Two of the Battalion machine guns pushed along the nullah X Y towards X, greatly assisted the advance in first enfilading Turkish trench P and later distributing their fire along trench Q. The Battalion was splendidly supported throughout by one section of the 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY, the Forward Observation Officer advancing with his telephone immediately in rear of the Battalion. The enemy’s trenches were occupied and quickly put in a state of defence, while, from both ends of these trenches a line of entrenchments was extended for some considerable distance, the left flank being well turned back. About 80 prisoners were taken by the Battalion, and a large quantity of rifles, ammunition, equipment etc. Many dead and wounded Turks were found in the trenches. The Battalion buried 62 enemy dead on its section of trenches. Enemy sniped to some extent during the night from our left flank. The following casualties among officers occurred during this day’s operations. Officers killed Lieutenant DOWDING and Lieutenant ROYCE. Wounded Captain SUTHERLAND, 2nd Lieutenant BILLINGS, 2nd Lieutenant BELLE and 2nd Lieutenant BUCKINGHAM. Other ranks killed and wounded on operations of the 6th and 7th January totalled 303.
On Saturday February 5th, 1916, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 3, under the heading. – SOUTH WIGSTON FOOTBALLER KILLED. – Schools’ Union and Tigers’ Player. – Official intimation has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Hougham, of Healey-street, South Wigston, that their son, Corpl. JOHN HOUGHAM, was killed during one of the engagements of the Bagdad relief expedition. Corpl. Hougham was a well-known figure in Rugby football circles, beginning his career as a three-quarter for the South Wigston School team in 1901-2, when the school boys won the shield without having a point scored against them during the season.
Joining the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, Corpl. Hougham was drafted to India, where he soon gained a reputation of being the finest full-back in the Dependency, assisting the Leicester’s in that capacity in the struggles – mainly with the West Yorks – for the Calcutta and other competition cups. On completing nine years of service, he returned to civil life, and regularly “turned out” for South Wigston R.F.C., and also played on two or three occasions for the “Tigers.” Corpl Hougham had been previously wounded while serving with the 2nd Battalion in Flanders. This is the second son Mr. and Mrs. Hougham have lost, Corpl. Hougham’s brother having succumbed to disease in November last in a French hospital.
On Wednesday February 9th, 1916, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 3, under the heading. – LEICESTER’S ROLL OF HONOUR. (A photograph accompanied the article). – Corporal J. HOUGHAM, 2nd Leicester’s, a well-known South Wigston R.U. football player. He was killed in Mesopotamia.
[recognitum XVI-V-MMXXIV]

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
He made 3 appearances for Leicester FC's 1st XV in 1914.
https://royalleicestershireregiment.org.uk/entity/98411-hougham-percy-j?q=