Percy began his medical studies at the London Hospital in 1910, qualifying L.M.S.S.A., L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S. in October 1914. He held a Surgical Out-Patient Clinical Assistantship with the London Hospital, and went into practice at Stansted, Essex. In December 1914, he obtained a commission in the R.A.M.C., Territorial Force. He was attached as Medical Officer to the London Regiment on 15th December 1914 and served with them continuously until he was killed. He entered the war in France on the 18th February 1917. He gained promotion to Captain after a year’s service. Percy was the youngest son of the late Joseph D and Eliza Sarah Burton of Cambridge Heath, and the husband of Minnie Emma Burton.