Percy Gratwick

Percival Eric Gratwick, VC (19 October 1902 – 26 October 1942) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life Gratwick was born in Katanning, Western Australia, on 19 October 1902, the fifth son of the local postmaster. Leaving school at 16, he took up various jobs, including a period as a messenger at Parliament House. Later, he worked as a blacksmith, a drover and a prospector.

Second World War Gratwick sought to join the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) after the outbreak of the Second World War. However, issues with his nose, which had been broken years earlier, led to the rejection of his application. In late 1940, after expensive medical treatment on his nose, he attempted to enlist again, this time successfully.

Gratwick is buried in El Alamein Commonwealth cemetery, and his Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Museum of Western Australia in Fremantle, Western Australia. In Port Hedland, Western Australia, Gratwick Street, the Gratwick Aquatic Centre, the town theatre and the community hall are all named in his honour.