Percy Black
| Percy Charles Herbert Black | |
|---|---|
Percy Black c.1914
|
|
| Born |
12 December 1877 Beremboke, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 11 April 1917 (aged 39) Bullecourt, France |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Imperial Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1917 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 16th Battalion |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Conduct Medal Mentioned in Despatches (3) Croix de guerre (France) |
Percy Charles Herbert Black, DSO, DCM (12 December 1877 – 11 April 1917) was a decorated Australian soldier who served with the Australian Imperial Force in the First World War.
Black was born in Beremboke, near Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, the eleventh child of William and Anne (née Longmore), farmers originally from Antrim, Ireland. He trained as a carpenter before moving to Western Australia as a prospector in the Western Australian gold rush.
In Western Australia, Black, aged 36, enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) in 1914. His poor teeth saw him accepted "subject to extraction of stumps". He started his military career at Blackboy Hill Camp, near Perth, where he first met Harry Murray. Black and Murray, who would become the most decorated Australian soldier in the war, trained together on the Maxim Gun and became firm friends. Black's instructor at the camp claimed Black was the best gunner he had come across.
Black was dispatched to Egypt with the 16th Battalion. Black saw action during the Gallipoli Campaign, taking part in the landing on 25 April 1915 (ANZAC Day). Black, with his good friend, Harry Murray, formed one of the 16th Battalion's two machine gun teams. In May he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and commissioned in the field as a second lieutenant. In August, before leaving Gallipoli, Black was Mentioned in Despatches (for actions prior to 20 May), and promoted to captain.
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