Edmond Percy (Perc) Wilmot MC (SN 670) was a 19 year old school teacher from Pootilla just outside Ballarat, when he enlisted on October 1st 1914. He embarked on the Itonus on February 13th 1915 and served on Gallipoli as a Sapper with the 2nd Division Signal Company. In August he suffered a mild gunshot wound to the neck and was evacuated to Lemnos and then England.
While in England he applied successfully for a commission with the Royal Flying Corps which required his August discharge from the AIF.
Whilst serving with the RFC he was awarded the Military Cross ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst co-operating with artillery. On one occasion he successfully ranged a siege battery on an enemy gun position in very bad weather, which necessitated flying at a very low altitude, during which he was subjected to intense fire’.
On November 6th 1917 Percy made a forced landing behind the German lines. He was captured and made a Prisoner of War at Holzminden POW Camp for the duration of the conflict.
On 19 April 1919 Percy received a Telegram requesting his attendance at Buckingham Palace to formally receive his Military Cross. Percy was eventually released from the Royal Air Force and returned to Australia, arriving back at Pootilla on 15 May 1920. Perc died on May 10th 1969 at the age of 74.