PERCY JENNER
Percy in his uniform during WW2 and today
Sussex Express May 2000
Newhaven Fire Brigade WW2
Sussex Express in May 2000
The Newhaven Wartime Fire Engine
Oyster Pond Cottages, Eastside
By Shirley Bailey
REMEMBERING PERCY JENNER Percy died on December 12th 2001 in his 92nd year. He was born on December 29th 1909 on the east side of Newhaven, locally known as 'The Oyster Ponds'. He was the next to youngest of 13 children (not all survived to maturity). At the age of eight, during school holidays he helped on a farm, helping one of his brothers who was the shepherd at a Bishopstone farm. Percy left school at 15 and for 50years was a baker's roundsman for Sargeants (Grocers and bakers of Newhaven). At the beginning of WW2 he worked in the bakehouse, baking bread as well as delivering because of the shortage of manpower. From 1939-1945 he was a part-time fireman, driving the Newhaven fire engine-he was on duty the night the ammunition barge hit the cliffs beyond Newhaven harbour and blew up. This was on November 22nd 1944. He retired from Sargeants aged 65 years and worked at the Iron Foundry until aged 70. Percy enjoyed his retirement and kept himself busy and made a point of walking every day (weather permitting). Whilst in his 70's he twice walked along the cliff tops from Newhaven to Eastbourne. With his death he leaves behind a 3 daughters 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is sadly missed as he was a great character.
The following article appeared in the Sussex Express in May 2000 FIREMAN PERCY GIVES HIS OLD UNIFORM TO FORT A ninety one year old former World War Two fireman has donated his old u8niform for display at Newhaven Fort.
Percy Jenner from South Road Newhaven, was one of the fire-fighters who tackled the blazes in Newhaven after enemy bombing raids.
Fort manager, Ian Everest, said the uniform had lain in Mr Jenner's house for nearly 60 years. Mr Jenner visited the fort this year and, inspired by the wartime displays, decided to donate it as an exhibit.
The uniform, consisting of a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, hatchet and pouch is displayed in the Home Front exhibition alongside the Blitz experience and Air raid Shelters.
Mr Everest added "Percy has plenty of tales about his wartime activity and also about his job as a bread boy prior to the war". During this time one of his delivery addresses was Newhaven Fort.