Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Neuville-Bourjonval village was taken on the 28th-29th March 1917, by the 12th King's Liverpool Regiment, lost on the 22nd March 1918, and retaken on the following 4th and 5th September by the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division. The British Cemetery was begun by the 11th Rifle Brigade in April, 1917 and used by the 42nd and other Divisions until March 1918; further burials were made in Rows B and C in September 1918.

There are now over 200, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified and four are represented by special memorials. The British Cemetery covers an area of 829 square metres and is enclosed by a low rubble wall.

Private COURTMAN, PERCY - Service Number 250755 - "D" Coy. 1st/6th Bn. Manchester Regiment

Died 02/06/1917 Aged 29

Son of James and Percy Ann Courtman, of 261, Stretford Rd., Manchester. International (Breast Stroke) Record Champion Swimmer.

Native of Old Trafford.

INSCRIPTION: INTERNATIONAL (BREAST STROKE) RECORD CHAMPION SWIMMER

Plot F. grave 20.

Percy Courtman (14 May 1888 – 2 June 1917) was an English breaststroke swimmer from Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Lancashire who competed for Great Britain in the 1908 Summer Olympics and 1912 Summer Olympics.  In the 1908 Olympics he competed in the 200-metre breaststroke, but was second in his heat and did not advance. Four years later he competed in the 400-metre breaststroke and won a bronze medal. He also competed in the 200 metre breaststroke and was fourth.

He died during World War I in France while serving as a private in the 1st/6th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment.