Perry enlisted on 20th October 1914. He was 20 years and 270 days old and was a Collier by trade. On 30th April 1915 he embarked at Southampton on the S.S. Viper as a reinforcement. Then disembarking the following day, he entered the war in France on 1st May 1915. On the 6th May he became attached to the 6th Irish Dragoons, joining them in the field. He was admitted into hospital on 15th July 1915, suffering with dental cavities, then after he recovered was posted to serve with No 1 Ambulance Train on the 10th August. Five days later, on the 15th, he was transferred to No 22 Ambulance train. He served with them up to the 16th June 1917, when he joined No 24 Ambulance Train. On 23rd March 1918 he was posted to serve with No 5 Ambulance Flotilla, but shortly after, on 31st March 1918, he left to report to the Royal Engineer base with a view to voluntarily transfer to the Royal Engineers. This was accepted as he was posted to serve with 253rd Tunnelling Coy. He remained serving with the R.E. until the end of the war. He returned to the UK on 30th December 1918, and was transferred to Class Z Reserve on 28th January 1919. He was the son of John Lomas of 70 Ashton Road West, Failsworth, Manchester.