Arthur James Newcombe
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- Military History
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Arthur James was born in 1884 the son of George Henry (died 1909 aged 49) a lace maker and Susan Newcombe née Carthew. His parents were born in 1862 George at Tiverton Susan at Chard Somerset. Married in 1878, they had eight children one of whom died in infancy. Arthur’s surviving siblings, all born at Hyson Green, included Beatrice Nellie b.1886, Tom b.1888 Eva b.1891 and Gertie b.1893 . In 1911 they lived at 173 Birkin Avenue Hyson Green. Arthur was the husband of Nellie Newcombe of 37 Alderney Street Lenton Nottingham.
Arthur James Newcombe was killed accidentally at Fovant on Salisbury Plain during trench fighting training which included the use of live bombs. Nottingham (New Basford) Cemetery Grave Reference: F I 19
Nottingham Post notice (abridged) 15 February 1917: 'Newcombe. Accidentally killed February 14th, Private Arthur Newcombe Sherwood Foresters, age 33. Husband of Nellie Newcombe and son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Wright.' Nottingham Post notice (abridged) 17 February 1917: 'Newcombe. Accidentally killed February 15th, Arthur James Newcombe, Sherwood Foresters, husband of Nellie Newcombe, 37 Aldeney Street, Lenton ... Interred Basford Cemetery.' Pte. Arthur James Newcombe, 2/7th Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Robin Hood Rifles), was killed accidentally at Fovant, on Salisbury Plain on 14th February 1917. Shortly before they were due to leave for the Western Front, the second line Robin Hoods were sent for further training. The day he died they were being taught the techniques of trench warfare, including the use of live bombs, as recorded in the regimental history. “While the move of the Battalion was imminent no time or effort was lost during the short stay at Fovant to render the training of the Battalion as complete as possible, and much useful work was done. This included particularly range practices, the organization of the occupation and relief of trenches, route marching and live bombing, in the course of which a much regretted accident occurred in which a man was killed and one injured.” Above information is from “The Robin Hoods” 1/7th, 2/7th & 3/7th Battns. Sherwood Foresters,” p. 309, J. & H. Bell Ltd. (Nottingham) 1921, courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
