Percival (Percy) Neville Henry Sperryn (1814 - 1944)

Parents: Clarence Percy Sperryn & Coralie Frances Seager       Born: 27.July.1914 in South Africa       Died: 28.June.1944 in Italy

Unfortuantely, we know more about Percy's death than his life, as he was killed in action (perhaps at Città della Pieve), in Italy during the Second World War. There's even a street named after him: Percy Sperryn Drive, Drakensview, Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal 3310.
He was decorated as follows:
Name: Sperryn, Percy Neville Henry        Rank: Sergeant         Service No: 4298         Regiment: 1 Royal Natal Carbineers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)               Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 September 1942 announcement (pdf)

He is buried in the war cemetery at Assisi in Italy. The grave was visited in 2004 as explained in this letter to Melville and Monica Sperryn:

Westville,
Durban, S.A.
3629
8 th August, 2004

Dear Mr and Mrs M. Sperryn

During June of this year I was in Italy and was invited to visit Assisi for the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of that city.

A very moving ceremony took place, at the military cemetery, to honour all those who are buried there, who lost their lives in the liberation of Italy. This ceremony was attended by members of the military, local dignitaries and representatives of the War Veterans Association.

The War Veterans Association has been instrumental in organizing the scheme whereby families and cultural associations would adopt graves. It is also due to their efforts that many relatives of the fallen have been contacted.

Whilst there I took some photographs and I thought you might appreciate having a photo of a view of the cemetery and of the grave of your relative. As you can see, the cemetery is very well cared for.

Any queries can be addressed either to me or to Geom, V C, who was instrumental in co-ordinating the above mentioned activities.

Yours sincerely
Valeno G

Geom. V C
Via della Republica 47
06088 Assisi – S.Maria deghi Angeli
ITALY
tel & fax 0939-075 - 8064339
tel 0939 – 075 - 8044158
e-mail  @ tiscali-it

(redacted names, email address etc. available from )