Military History

Arthur is listed as dying of wounds on 27 Sep 1917. It is most likely that he was wounded during the operations of 25th - 29th Sep and the following is taken from the Report on Operations contained within the Battalion War Diary.

Report on Operations 25th-29th Sept 1917 by 2nd Suffolk Regiment

Attack Barrage: The creeping barrage for the attack was excellent in every way and no improvement can be suggested. It appeared, however, that the synchronisation of watches in the Batteries was out in a few instances As one or two groups of guns were invariably about 30 seconds late in lifting and caused a few casualties. There were one or two guns firing 30 yards or so short also. This is however inevitable and a comparatively minor point.

The Advance: The advance was begun in thick mist and almost directly a certain amount of confusion was caused. The battalion advanced too quickly and became mixed with the K.O.R.L. The R.W.F on the left inclined to their right and added to the confusion but on crossing the Stienbeek the R.W.F moved to their left and touch was lost with them. Their left movement communicated itself to the Suffolk Regiment and until it was discovered there was a danger of losing touch with the Australians on the right.

By this time the advance had arrived at the line of the house at D.27.c.60.6½ and had commenced to consolidate under the impression it was the line of the Muhle and my Battalion had passed completely through and were up to the barrage. It was found at this juncture that the battalion was moving left incline and the Company Commanders of the leading companies with great skill effected half right wheel which brought them square to the front.

Captain K. Murray Walker, commanding W Company having just being previously wounded, this very difficult operation was successfully carried out by 2^nd Lieut A.W.C. Major who assumed command. The advance was continued to the Muhle with the K.O.R.L. in touch in the rear. Join the halt of the barrage on that line a conference of Suffolk and K.O.R.L officers decided on the line they had arrived at and the K.O.R.L all came up and consolidation on that line was commenced.

Direction of advance was checked by Company Commanders in two instances by compass and the advance was resumed. By the time the barrage halted on the red line the mist had cleared and Zonnebeke Church and Lake were visible. The Brickyard and Kiln were successfully rushed and captured and consolidation of then commenced by W Coy. No difficulty was experienced beyond this point in maintaining direction but the left flank was in the air as far as could be ascertained. During the halt of the barrage on the Red Line the Companies were reorganised. The K.O.R.L. were in touch in rear and the Australians on the right. Z Coy consolidated on this line with a Platoon of K.O.R.L. between Z & W Coys. The advance continued to the final objective in perfect formation the light now being good, positions in diamond formation were easily maintained.

The final objective was taken in a rush under the barrage except on the extreme left by Zonnebeke Church where the morass coming out of the lake crossed the village and formed a serious obstacle. An enemy machine gun came into action immediately the barrage passed it E of the Church but was promptly attacked by X Coy under 2^nd Lieut A Harrison and quickly silenced with Hales grenades, two of which entered the loophole and exploded. The final objective was now consolidated all along the line. No other opposition was encountered at any other point from enemy positions, all of which were rushed under the barrage and bombed before they could come into action. A number of the enemy feigned dead but on the occasion did they have an opportunity of doing damage I'm good. Mopping up was complete and good.