Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Arthur Dorman, a stone mason, born in the April quarter of 1860 in Uppingham, Rutland and baptised on the 3rd November 1861 in SS. Peter & Paul’s Church, Uppingham (son of Thomas Dorman, 1814-1884 and Elizabeth Meadwell, 1820-1898) and his wife Mary Helen Dorman (nee Giddings, married on the 24th September 1889 in SS. Peter & Paul’s Church, Uppingham), born in the January quarter of 1863 in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire and baptised on the 25th May 1863 in Christ Church, Bradford on Avon (daughter of John Gilbert Giddings and Mary Fricker), Charles Percy was born on the 3rd June 1892 in Uppingham, his siblings were, James Gilbert, born in the January quarter of 1890 and John William, born in the July quarter of 1895, both his siblings were born in Uppingham, in March 1901 the family home was at High Street, Uppingham.
He embarked with 6th Reinforcements, Canterbury Mounted Rifles on the 15th August 1915 from Wellington, New Zealand aboard HMNZT 27 “Willochra” or HMNZT 28 “Tofua” bound for Suez, Egypt. During the first evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula on December 18th 1915 whilst on sentry duty he was shot by a sniper’s bullet, striking him on the left temple, and exiting through the back of his head. He lived only a few minutes and was buried nearby later in the morning. The burial service was conducted by Major Studholme and nearly all of the squadron attended.
Charles enlisted/attested into the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on the 14th May in 1915, and was allotted the service number 7/1350. He gave his place of birth as Uppingham, England, his date of birth as the 3rd June 1892, his trade or calling was given as farmer, his last place of residence was given as Riverview, Fairlie, the name and the address of his last employer was J. Brunton, Low Cliffe, Canterbury, he confirmed that he was unmarried.
His next of kin was given as his father, Mr. A. Dorman of River View, Fairlie, South Canterbury.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 22, height 5-feet 5½ inches weight 133 lbs, chest measurement of between 33 and 36 inches his complexion was described as fair, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was light brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, [none recorded]. He gave his religion as Church of England.
Medical Examination:
Sight: Right eye 6/6. Left eye 6/6. Hearing: Right ear good. Left ear good. Colour vision: correct. Are his limbs well formed: yes. Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect: yes. Is his chest well formed: yes. Is his heart normal: yes. Are his lungs normal: yes. What is the condition of his teeth: good. Is he free from hernia: yes. Is he free from varicocele: yes. Is he free from varicose veins: yes. Is he free from haemorrhoids: yes. Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin-disease: yes. Is there a distinct mark of vaccination: yes. Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties: yes. Is there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection: no.
Remarks: [none recorded].
He was certified as fit for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Date 1st June 1915.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Timarie on the 1st June 1915 and recorded his birthplace as Uppingham, England, declared age as 22 years, trade or occupation as farmer, that he was 5-feet 5½ inches in height, weighed 133 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 33 and 36 inches, his physical development was described as [not recorded]. Enlisted at Trentham on the 12th June 1915. Joined on enlistment G Squadron 7th 6th. Regimental No. 7/1350. 12th June 1915.
During his period of military service, the following events of note occurred: -
Joined. At Trentham. 12/6/15.
Posted. G Squadron 6th. Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Pte. 12/6/15.
Admitted. To Hospital, measles. 12/7/15.
Arrived and posted. 8th Squadron Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Tpr. Mudros. 3/10/15.
Killed in action at King’s Own Avenue, Dardanelles. 18/12/15.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 12/6/15 – 13/8/15. 63 days.
At Sea. 14/8/15.
Total Service. 190 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The New Zealand Mounted Brigade Diary records: 18 Dec-15 – FINSBURY VALE. – Usual quiet day. Much talking in enemy trenches reported by patrols and by manner in which enemy showing themselves and offering good marks for our sharp shooters. Clearly showing that new troops were in front and centre at SANDBAG RIDGE -?- trenches.
On Friday 21st, April 1916, The Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury published the following article on page 6, under the heading. – UPPINGHAM. – We regret to record the death of trooper Percy Dorman, of the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles (New Zealanders), who was shot through the temple and instantly killed by a sniper on Dec. 18th in Gallipoli. Deceased was 23 years old and an Uppinghamian, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dorman, who left the town for New Zealand a few years back, and for whom the deepest sympathy is felt.
[recognitum XV-X-MMXXIV]