They Also Served: W – Z

Those Who Also Served (Surnames W to Z):

The following are short biographies of the men of Ruskington who enlisted during the Great War with surnames beginning ‘W’ to ‘Z’:

Remembered on this page are:

scroll down buttonSCROLL DOWN – to read more about these Ruskington men.

 

A/Cpl. S/9324 Tom Prince WAINER – was born on 26 September 1880, the son of Tom (Bricklayer) and Ellen (Helen) [née Prince] Wainer.

He had nine brothers and sisters, Annie Mary (died, aged, 3 on 11 February 1879), Florence Helen (died, aged 7, September 1884), Elizabeth (died, aged 4 months, 28 June 1879), Tom Prince (born 26 September 1880), John Richard (b. 24 June 1883), William (b. January 1885), George Frederick (b. 16 December 1886), Rebecca Louisa (b. January 1889) and Nellie (b. October 1891). (Annie Mary, Florence Helen and Elizabeth, who all died in infancy, are buried together in the Parish Churchyard, near the SW Wall.)

In 1901 (Census RG 13/3048) the family were living at Princes Yard, Ruskington, Lincolnshire [Two houses from the Warne family whose son Pt. Harry WARNE, died of wounds on 11th July 1916.].

By 1911 (Census RG 14/19618) they had moved to High Street North, Ruskington, although Nellie and Arthur were the only children still living with their parents. Tom’s parents are buried in the East Border of Ruskington Cemetery, Old Plot, Graves 56 and 58. [Helen died in December 1914, aged 61, and Tom in December 1925, aged 75.]

On 5 July 1905 Tom had married Nellie Proctor, in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and they had three children, Dorothy M. (born 5 July 1905), Doris Nellie (3 July 1906) and George Proctor (4 November 1907). The 1911 Census (Census RG 14/19712) shows the family living in Navenby, Lincolnshire, where Tom was employed as “Head Teacher” in a “County Council School“.

Tom served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (Pt. 14931) and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Arthur’s Service Papers say that Tom served with “BEF Russia“. He enlisted at Shrewsbury on 14 October 1914, aged 34 years 1 month and gave his occupation as “School Master“. At the time he stood 5 ft. 7¾ ins. [1.72 m.] tall and weighed 10 st. 2 lbs [64.4 kgs.].

Tom was posted to France on 27 November 1915. On 14 October 1916 Tom was badly wounded by gun shot wounds to his left foot and right side of forehead, and 5 days later returned to Duston War Hospital, Northampton, where he spent the next 5 months.

On 8 May 1917 Tom was transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps (Service Number S/12335) and a year later promoted to Acting Corporal.  During this time his home/family address was “14 Newcombe Road, Wellingborough“. Although he was discharged in 1919, he re-enlisted into the Army Education Corps, attached to the Middlesex Regiment.

Tom died on 16 May 1922 at Mill Hill Barracks, Middlesex, the Regimental Depot for the Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) – maybe from repercussions from his wounds. He was buried in Grave 26902, Hendon Cemetery, London.

Nellie, his wife/widow, received a War Pension. She died on 16 December 1963 in Maidstone, Kent, aged 82.

N.B. Tom’s older brother, Pt. 32651 Arthur WAINER, served with the 8th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. He was killed in action on 2 October 1917. He has no known graves and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

 

Whitton WPrivate 10007 William WHITTON – was born on 19 April 1892, in Ruskington, Lincolnshire, the son of John Charles (Horseman on Farm) and Ruth (née Ward) Whitton.

The 1901 Census (RG 13/3048) shows that William had two younger brothers, Fred (born September quarter 1896) and Arthur (b. 16 December 1899), and a younger sister, Sarah Elizabeth (b. 8 February 1891). The family was living at ‘Westcliff’, Ruskington.

By 1911 (Census RG 14/19618) William’s parents had moved to High Street North, Ruskington. However, William was boarding with the Glenn family at Dorrington, employed as a “Waggoner” (Census RG 14/19617).

At the time of his enlistment in 1914 William stood 5 ft. 6 ins. [1.68 m.] tall, weighed 8 st. 11 lbs. [55.8 kgs.], had brown eyes, brown hair and a ‘fresh’ complexion.

[N.B. William’s younger brother,  Private 41183 Fred WHITTON, 11th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, was killed in action on 5th October 1917, and is commemorated on this site.]

Before the end of the War, however, William’s mother, Ruth, died, in April 1917. She was buried on the 7th in Ruskington Cemetery, Old Plot, Section A, Grave 273.

William attested in the Lincolnshire Regiment, at Sleaford, on 14 November 1914 and was posted to  3rd (Reserve) Battalion. [He gave his date of birth as 20 April 1894 – see above] He was trained at Grimsby and his Medal Index Card shows that he was posted to France, to the 1st Battalion, on 24 April 1915.

After being wounded on 16 June 1915 with a “Gunshot Wound – Right Leg“, William was sent to Belfast to recuperate and as at 27 November 1915 and ‘The Lincolnshire Chronicle’ he was recuperating in Kingsholme.

William’s wounds occurred during what became known as “The Great Charge of the Lincolns” at the Battle of Bellewaarde. The 1st Lincolns lost 100 Officers and men killed in action on that day, almost all of which have no known grave and are commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

button_read-more-blue …. about The Battle of Bellewaarde

William returned to France on 14 November 1915, this time to the 6th Battalion, until returning to the 3rd Battalion, at Grimsby, on 8 August 1916. His third posting to the Front began on 27 July 1917 with a posting to the 10th Battalion, returning to the Depot on 23 October 1917.

When reporting his brother’s death “The Sleaford Gazette” (27 October 1917) noted that William had again been wounded:

“DOUBLE SORROW – That troubles do not necessarily come singly has been painfully exemplified in the case of Mr. Charles Whitton of High Street who received the sad official news by Thursday morning’s post that his second son Pte. Fred Whitton, 21 years, (Manchesters) had been killed in action, while his eldest son Pte. William Whitton (Lincolns) had been seriously wounded in the face and legs. Fred Whitton joined up May 1916; his brother William has served longer, and been sent to England twice before once for wounds and once for sickness. The deepest sympathy of all will be extended to Mr. Whitton in his great trial.”

William ended his Army Service on 27 February 1920, being discharged under King’s Regulation 362 (xvi), “no longer physically fit for War Service“.

After the War William married Annie Elizabeth Bembridge in the Sleaford District (probably All Saints’ Church, Ruskington) in the June quarter 1924. The 1939 Register shows the family living at Kelby, Lincolnshire [Kelby lies 5 miles (8 kms.) south-west from Sleaford.]. William was employed as a ‘Farm Carter’. There is some evidence that William and Annie had 2 children, but if so, they have not been identified.

He died in the December quarter 1983 in the Grantham, Lincolnshire, District, aged 90. Annie was 88 when she died just a few months earlier.

William’s father, John Charles, was 90 when he died in June 1957. He was buried in Plot GG063, Sleaford Cemetery, on the 16th.

 

Corporal 28620 John W. WILCOX – was born on 20 August 1896, the son of William (Farm Labourer) and Martha Eliza (née Cole) Wilcox (pictured right in later life). In 1901 (Census RG 13/3648) he was living at the home of his maternal grandparents, George and Rebecca Cawdron, at North Searle, Ruskington, with his mother, and siblings, Ada, Mary, Florence and Ernest.

Ten years later (1911 Census RG 14/) father William was enumerated with them, same address, and another daughter, Doris Rebecca, had been born.

John originally served with the 1/4 Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment (Private 242446) before transferring to the Coldstream Guards.

“The Sleaford Gazette” of 13 April 1918 reported that: “Since the last great offensive commenced on the Western front several Ruskington men have been wounded or gassed.” This no doubt referred to The German spring offensive,  which began on 21 March 1918.

Those named specifically were: “Lieut. Wm. Morley, of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regt., and son of Mr. R. N. Morley, of the Elms, has been wounded. Pte. J. W. Dickinson, of the North Staffs., writing to his mother says he has been slightly wounded in the head and wrist and is et present in a convalescent camp in France. Corpl. J. W. Wilcox, of the Lincs. Yeomanry, has been gassed and is at present in England. Pte. E. Scuffham, of the Lincs. Regt., has also been wounded, but very few particulars are yet available of any of the cases.”

In 1939 (Register) Fred was living at 53 Lewisham High Road, London, working as an “Army Recruiter”.

In the December quarter 1922 Fred had married Elsie North in Wycombe, Bucks., and they had 8 children. He died in 1970. Elsie died in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1984.

Larger memorial image loading...His parents remained in Ruskington for the rest of their lives. William died on 31 July 1934 and Martha on 21 March 1952. They are buried together in Ruskington Cemetery, Graves D.38 and 39.

 

Acting Sergeant 203324 Frederick Leslie WILLSON – was born on 21 October 1896, in Spalding, Lincolnshire, the eldest son of John (Joiner) and Matilda  (née Shipley) Willson.

In 1901 (Census RG 13/3048) he was living with his parents and older siblings, William Bruce (below) and Annie M., at Silver Street, Ruskington. Ten years later (1911 Census RG 14/19618) the family were at the same address, and Frederick was employed as a ‘Bookstall Newsboy’.

John and Matilda Willson remained in the village until their deaths and are buried together in Ruskington Cemetery, New Plot, Graves E. 16 and 17. Both were 85 years old when they died, Matilda in November 1952 and John in December 1953.

Before he joined the army in March 1916, Frederick (served as Leslie) was working for Messrs W. H. Smith and Sons. He joined the 2/6th Battalion, Prince of Wales’ Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, and was for some time, an Instructor of Musketry in England. When he went to France in April 1917, he was reduced to the rank of Private, but gained promotion soon after reaching his Battalion. He was a Sergeant in four months, and a month later became a Staff Sergeant Instructor in a school in France.

After the War, on 3 November 1921, Frederick married Evelyn Mary Darnell, in New Sleaford. No children of the marriage have been found. The 1939 mini-Census shows the family living at 8 Muster Roll Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire, where Frederick was employed as a ‘Casual Worker, Civil Service Farm Office’.

Evelyn died in Boston in the December quarter 1978, aged 81. Frederick died on 11 August 1983, aged 86, at 31 Castle Street, Boston.

 

Willson W BTrooper 3091 William Bruce WILLSON – was born on 20 September 1893, in Walsall, Staffordshire, the eldest son of John (Joiner) and Matilda  (née Shipley) Willson.

In 1901 (Census RG 13/3048) he was living with his parents and younger siblings, Annie M. and Frederick Leslie (above), at Silver Street, Ruskington.

Ten years later (1911 Census RG 14/19618) the family were at the same address, and William was employed as a ‘Bookstall Manager’.

John and Matilda Willson remained in the village until their deaths and are buried together in Ruskington Cemetery, New Plot, Graves E. 16 and 17. Both were 85 years old when they died, Matilda in November 1952 and John in December 1953.

William enlisted in the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars in July 1915. He was later posted to the Corps of Hussars and re-numbered – 235687. William did not qualify for the 1915 Star Medal, indicating he was not posted abroad until 1916. By then the Hussars, which had been in Egypt and Gallipoli between April and December 1915, were back in Egypt.

Without his Service Papers, which have been lost, it is impossible to say when William joined his Regiment, but from the quote below clearly he served in Egypt.

button_read-more-blue …. about The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars

At Christmas 1916 Bruce was in receipt of one of the 87 ‘Tuck Boxes’ sent out to serving men from Ruskington. “The Sleaford Gazette” (13 January 1917) reported that he was one of those who had sent his thanks, adding:

“Pte. Bruce Wilson writes from “Somewhere in the Desert”: ‘I am very pleased to say the contents of parcel were very good, and were not in any way damaged. We were on “trek” for four days when parcel arrived, and I am sure it could not have come at a more opportune time. Please, thank the Ruskington people for the splendid parcel.’”

William was discharged on 19 April 1919, under King’s Regulation 392 (xvi) – ‘Surplus to military requirements (having suffered impairment since entry into the service)‘.

After the War, in the March quarter 1921, William married Beatrice Russell, probably in Ruskington and they had a son, Stanley, in 1923. The 1939 mini- Census shows the family living at 6-8 Northgate. Sleaford, where they ran a ‘Stationer and Newsagent’ shop.

William died on 31 December 1968, aged 76, in the Lincoln area. Beatrice died in Leasingham shortly after her 96 birthday, on 19 October 1989.

 

Private 1661 Charles WINTER – was born on 3 December 1893 at Fen House, Ruskington. He was the son of George (Farmer) and Susannah (née Edwards) Winter and had 5 older siblings, Annie Mary, Thomas, Eliza, Susannah and Matilda, and 5 younger sisters, Florence, Edith Hilda, May and Nellie (1901 Census RG 13/3048).

Charles’ father died on 28 October 1910 and was buried in Grave B.50, Ruskington Cemetery. A year later (1911 Census RG 14/19618) his widow, Susannah, was still farming on Pinfold Lane, Ruskington, and Charles and his brother George were working on the farm.

It is not known when Charles enlisted but a reference to him in “The Sleaford Gazette” of 2 December 1916 stated that:  “WOUNDED. – …………. Pte. Charles Winter, Lincolns, is reported wounded in the head. Everyone will wish these gallant boys a good and speedy recovery.”

At Christmas 1916 Charles was in receipt of one of the 87 ‘Tuck Boxes’ sent out to serving men from Ruskington. “The Sleaford Gazette” (13 January 1917) reported that he was one of those who had sent his thanks, adding: “Parcel arrived in good order. It arrived on Christmas Day, so it seemed a bit more like Xmas, and I thank the Ruskington people for thinking of me.”

Three months later Charles was wounded again. “The Sleaford Gazette” of 28 April 1917 again reported: “WOUNDED. News has recently been received by Mrs. G. Winter, of Roxholme (formerly of Ruskington), that her son, Pte. Chas. Winter, Lincolns, has been shot through his hand. This is the second time this gallant young fellow has been wounded.”

In the December quarter 1919 Charles married Florence Mary Cawdron, probably in Ruskington. They moved to Bradford, Yorkshire, where they had two sons, George Norman, born in the June quarter 1920, and Kenneth, born 22 February 1922. In 1939 (Register) they were living at 32 Great Russell Street, Bradford.

George enlisted in the RAFVR and trained as a Wireless Operator, (F/O 989226). He was killed in action on 13 March 1942 flying in a Vickers Wellington IV No. Z1251, which crashed near Nieuwpoort in Belgium. He is buried in Grave 7, St. Joris Communal Cemetery, Belgium. 

Charles’ mother, Susannah, died on 27 March 1951, aged 87, and was buried alongside her late husband. Charles died on 26 June 1956 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Wakefield. He and Florence were living at 21 St James’ Street, Bradford. Florence was 73 when she died in the December quarter 1971.  

 

Stoker (1st Class) G WOOD – “The Sleaford Gazette” (12 January 1918) reported The Hon Secretary of the village Tuck Box Fund had received a large number of acknowledgments from the “boys” for the 10/- note [50p.] which had been sent to them for Christmas 1917 by the inhabitants of Ruskington. Stoker Wood was one of those who had sent his thanks, adding: “I am in receipt of the 10/- note for which I heartily thank you. I appreciate it very much, as it will purchase a lot (of very useful articles to protect me from this severe winter in the North Sea.”

Other than that no reference has been found in BMD, Military or Census Returns to identify this man.

 

Private 21721 Ernest WOODCOCK – was born on 5 April 1897, at 2 Back Addington Street, Hunslet, Yorkshire West Riding, the son of Frederick (Blacksmith on Farm) and Elizabeth (née Wheeldon) Woodcock (1901 Census 13/2195). In 1911 (Census RG 14/19550) the family were living at 31 Parkfield Terrace, Hunslet. Ernest had a younger brother, John, born in 1902, who died in 1918.

At the time of his enlistment in 1915 Ernest was working as a ‘Blacksmith’. He stood 5 ft. 5¼ ins. [1.63 m.] tall and was living at South View House, Ruskington.

Ernest attested at Sleaford, on 11 December 1915, aged 18 years 7 months and was immediately posted to the Army Reserve. Ernest was mobilized for active service on 11 May 1917, aged to 19 years 226 days and posted to the A.S.C. (MT). [The Army Service Corps Mechanical Transport Companies filled a variety of administrative, recruitment, induction, training and re-supply roles.]

Grove Park Workhouse

Grove Park Workhouse

Originally Ernest was posted to No 1 Reserve Mechanical Transport Depot at Grove Park, London. [With the outbreak of the Great War the 400 residents of the workhouse, which had been opened by the Greenwich Board of Guardians in 1903, were expelled to other institutions, and the building was taken over by the Army Service Corps as a mobilisation and training centre.]

On 11 June 1917 Ernest passed his “Learner’s Test”, although his Service Papers do not specify in what. Ernest embarked from Southampton to Le Havre on 16 July 1917, on board the “Lydia”, arriving the next day and joined the 938 M.T. Company.

Sentinel Steam wagon

Sentinel Steam Wagon

In March 1918 Ernest spent some time in 25th General Hospital at Hardelot, near Boulogne. On 24 February 1919 he suffered a severe sprain to his right ankle following an accident which occurred whilst he was:    “… trying to lift a Sentinel front wheel on to a lorry.   He slipped due to the ground being frozen and as he fell the wheel seemed to strike his right foot which soon caused a swelling.“

[A ‘Sentinel’ was an all purpose steam wagon built by the Foden Co.] At that time Ernest was serving with the 71st Auxiliary Steam Company.] Ernest was transferred to ‘Class Z, Army Reserve’ on demobilisation on 22 October 1919.

Ernest’s link to Ruskington was brief, from the time he moved here to work until his enlistment. On 29 April 1922 he married Emeline Bushell, back in Hunslet and they had three children. The family moved to Norwich, where Emeline died in the June quarter 1945. Ernest also died in Norwich in the March quarter 1974, aged 76.

 

Sapper A. G. WRIGHT – At Christmas 1916 Spr. Wright was in receipt of one of the 87 ‘Tuck Boxes’ sent out to serving men from Ruskington. “The Sleaford Gazette” (23 December 1916) reported that he was one of those who had sent his thanks, saying: “I am simply delighted with the contents of the box, and I am sure no amount of words can express my I have always had a great respect for the people of Ruskington, and have enjoyed many happy days in the good old place, and hope to enjoy many more in it if I am fortunate enough to get through this lot.”

Other than that no reference has been found in BMD, Military or Census Returns to identify this man.

 

Wright CTrooper 1383 Stephen Charles WRIGHT – was born on 1 July 1893, at Dogdyke, Lincolnshire, the son of Stephen Thomas and Agnes (née Christian) Wright of White House, Ruskington.

He had three older siblings, Mary Clare, Thomas and Edith Emma, and six younger brothers and sisters, Kathleen, Elizabeth May, Louise Ellen, Winifred Mable, Gilbert and Stephen John. [See Footnote below]

[N.B. (Stephen) Charles older brother, 2nd Lieutenant Thomas WRIGHT, Special Reserve, attached 2nd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, was killed in action on 1st May 1915, aged 25 years.]

In 1901 (Census RG 13/3048) the family were living in Chestnut Street, Ruskington, and ten years later the Census shows (RG 14/19618) the family had moved to The White House, Ruskington. At that time he stood 5 ft. 9 ins [1.75 m.] tall.

Charles had enlisted in the Lincolnshire Yeomanry on 9 January 1911, aged 17 years 6 months, for a period of four years. The Territorial Force Battalion underwent its annual training at Belton Park (1911), Louth (1912), Grimsthorpe (1913) and Riseholme (1914). In view of where he lived Charles was probably in ‘C’ Squadron, which covered Sleaford, Gainsborough, Market Rasen and Wragby.

Charles re-engaged at Grantham on 15 September 1915 and was re-numbered 165945. ‘The Lincolnshire Chronicle’ [27 November 1915] reported Charles was in training with the 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Yeomanry, when War was declared and had mainly been stationed at Oakley Park.

The Yeomanry was placed under orders of 1st Mounted Division and on 27 October 1915 the Brigade embarked at Southampton for Salonika. En route, the destination was altered and by the end of November the Regiment had arrived at Cairo. It remained in Egypt/Palestine theatre until May 1918.

Charles was posted to his Battalion on 28 February 1915 and sailed with it to Salonika. He remained at the Front for 2 years 269 days. On 29 February 1916 Charles was promoted to Lance Corporal and reported to duty on 26 August.

After a period in England, on 16 June 1918 Charles was “Compulsory transferred to the Machine Gun Corps” and posted to 102 Battery. He was formally demobilised at Boulogne on 14 February 1919, returning home the next day. After demobilisation Charles returned to the village and there is no record of him marrying.

The 1939 mini- Census shows that at that time Charles was lodging with the Danbury family at Pode Hole, and working as a ‘General Labourer Heavy Worker‘. [Pode Hole is a small village 2 miles [c. 3 kms.] to the west of Spalding, Lincolnshire.]

Charles died on 9 September 1975 at 28 Church Street, Ruskington, aged 82. He now rests in Grave 72, Ruskington Cemetery, Old Plot, East Border.

His parents also remained in the village for the rest of their lives. Stephen Thomas died in May 1935, aged 79, and Agnes in November 1944, aged 80.

They are buried together in Graves 69 and 70, Ruskington Cemetery, Old Plot, East Border. [Obviously they had reserved the adjacent Plot, where Charles was eventually laid to rest. His sister, May Elizabeth, who died in 1915, aged 18, is in Grave 71.]

“The Sleaford Gazette” of 21 April 1917 printed the following, suggesting an extension to Stephen’s family: “PRIVATE EDWIN CHRISTIAN, of the Canadian Pioneers, brother of Mr. Stephen Wright, the White House, has been severely wounded in the leg in the recent fighting. He is at present in hospital at Boulogne, and hopes are entertained that he will not lose his leg.”

Edwin was born on 28 July 1876 in Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire, the son of John and Emma (née Sharp) Christian. Agnes, Stephen’s mother, was Edwin’s sister, so Stephen was Edwin’s nephew, not brother.

By 1900 Edwin had emigrated and settled in British Columbia, Canada, where he enlisted. After the War he returned to Vancouver, British Columbia, and died there on 26 February 1958.

 

Yarnold A JPetty Officer F819 Arthur James YARNOLD – was born on 5 December 1896, the son of James William (Wood Worker & Machinist) and Betsy Anne (née Grist) Yarnold. He had an older sister, Marian, and a younger sister, Alice Elizabeth.

Arthur also had an older brother, Thomas Frederick, from his father’s first marriage to Sarah (née Couling), who died in 1890

In 1901 (Census RG 13/3048) the family was living at Manor Street, Ruskington, and were still resident in the village (address unknown) in 1911 (Census RG 14/19618.

When he enlisted in 1914 Arthur gave his occupation as ‘Motor Driver’, and his Religion was stated as ‘Presbyterian’. He stood 5 ft. 1 in. [1.55 m.] tall, had brown hair, grey eyes and a ‘fresh’ complexion.

Arthur’s date of engagement in the Royal Naval Air Service was 6 November 1914 “For the duration of the War“. (He gave his date of birth incorrectly as 5 December 1895, adding a year to his age).

His 1st posting was to ‘Pembroke III’ from 6 November 1914 to 31 March 1915 which was administrative. Later RAF record shows 6 November 1914 promotions description as  “P.O.M. E (Armoured Cars)“. [HMS Pembroke was a shore based training establishment, a RN Barracks at Chatham. Building was started in 1897 and completed towards the end of 1902.]

On 1st April 1915 Arthur was posted to another shore-based station, known as ‘President II’, an accounting base in London, as sailors have to be assigned somewhere when between ships. At this point Arthur’s Service Record is indecipherable (at the moment), but it seems he was posted to Eastbourne on 1 September 1915. This was the date he officially reverted to Air Mechanic 1st class from Petty Officer Mechanic and when he left the Armoured Car Force.

Also from this date Arthur is listed as ‘Air Mechanic’ having qualified on 1 September, and the reverse of his subsequent RAF Service Record shows service in France from 10 November 1915 to 10 October 1916. On returning from France on 11 October 1916 Arthur was again posted to Crystal Palace, which was an Air Mechanic Training Centre, where he remained until 26 October 1916.

Between 27 October 1916 and 21 March 1918 James returned to France, to Vendome, La Rochelle, a RNAS flying training school at the time,  Service was broken twice during this posting for 2 periods in the ‘Cells’, 3 days – 25 to 28 November 1916 and 7 days, 22 to 30 December 1916.

On 1 August 1916 Arthur returned to the shore base HMS Pembroke II at Eastchurch, Kent, and from 1 July to 9 November 1917 he was stationed at Royal Naval Air Station, Lee-on-Solent, (HMS Daedalus) which was one of the primary shore airfields of the Fleet Air Arm, first established as a seaplane base in 1917.

More training took place on return, after three days back at Crystal Palace (22 – 25 March 1918) and a week at ‘Wormwood Scrubs‘, which was another RNAS base at the time, Arthur’s Service was transferred to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918, which was the date when the RAF formed from the amalgamation of the RFC and RNAS.

On transfer to the RAF Arthur is recorded as being of ‘good character’ and ‘moderate‘ proficiency and he has a trade classification of ‘Fitter A E‘. He remained at Wormwood Scrubs until 4 May 1918, which become an RAF Base, and from sailed for  three and a half months service in GEA (presumably German East Africa – Zanzibar, gained from Germany in exchange for Heligoland), arriving on 22 May, serving there until 11 September 1918.

The main base on Zanzibar was in a bay, accessible by boat. It was a seaplane base and Arthur had been in the Royal Naval Air Service. He was a mechanic and even if he was a vehicle mechanic, such skills were transferable for aircraft maintenance, so it was probable that he worked on aircraft, vehicles or even on motor boats.

Arthur sailed back from Zanzibar on 11 September, arriving 17 November 1918 and was posted to ‘HJDS‘ (very indistinct) – 17 November 1918 to 11 March 1919, followed by  ‘Bolton PR’, 12th March to 11th April 1919. He was then transferred to the ‘G’ Reserve and subsequently deemed discharged on 30 April 1920. On discharge Arthur gave his address as 34 Hartington Court, Brandston Road, Derby.

The following year, June quarter 1920, Arthur married Sadie Boyd, in Derby. They had one daughter, Joan Marion, in 1922. Arthur died in Derby on 30 November 1971, aged 74. Sadie died two years later, also in Derby, aged 73.

 

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