Percy was born on 21 November 1920 in Stepney, London to Poland born father Jacob, a tailor, and London born mother Kate nee Landau and he had two younger sisters Ruby and Marion. Jacob and Kate married in 1919 in Mile End Old Town and after the birth of Percy they lived at 221 Burdett Road in Mile End, London.

In the 1939 Register the family were living at 431 Romford Road, West Ham and Percy is listed as working as a hairdresser. He attested in 1940 as a gunner in the Royal Artillery. His Army records state that he was killed in action.