Military History

Arthur is listed as being killed in action on March 29th 1917, the Battalion war diary for that day is transcribed below:

29 March 1917 – Palm Tree Post near Duqma: At 2.30am Battalion with first line transport move forward to rendezvous at Railway Station thence along Nahrwan Canal to point of assembly in Canal about 3800 yards South of enemy’s advanced position. Patrols sent forward located a deep nullah [water course/river bed] 1400 yards north to which the Battalion advanced in good order on the shell fire. At 9.00am the Battalion moved forward to the attack and immediately came under heavy enfilade shell, Machine Gun and rifle fire. In spite of this, however, the advance pushed forward in masterly style until finally held up about 1300 yards from anaemic position driving in their advanced troops. Our casualties were heavy owing to the entire absence of cover.

Officers killed 2Lt C T Bishop. Wounded Capt E F Brown; Lts E L Harrison; W T Wrigley, J M Dodignton. 2^nd Lts L B F O’Brien;  E A D Parry; W H Randall. Other Ranks Killed 27, wounded 132.

Message from Brig General LEWIN C.B, C.M.G and D.S.O received “well done Wilts your advanced was magnificent the enemy evacuated his whole position during the night”. END

30 March 1917: Relieved by 38 Brigade the battalion marched back to Daltaiva? to bivouac. END