Arthur Stocks

Worksop Guardian 29 September 1916 “News of the death of Pte. Arthur Stocks, Sherwood Foresters, (T) son of Mr. James Stocks, Cinder Hill, Shireoaks, reached his father on Monday night, the sad tidings having been sent by a Worksop chum, who had seen him fall. Hoping against hope that the report was not well founded, the family on Tuesday received letters from his officers, under date September 21st, which we append: -“Dear Mr. and Mrs Stocks,-I very much regret having to write and give you bad news, but I feel sure you will be glad to have particulars from me. I am sorry to tell you that your son was killed by a machine gun bullet whilst “Standing to” this morning. He had just come off a patrol, and as it was just beginning to get light he had to “stand to” with the others of his team as usual. A machine gun, somewhere in the German lines, suddenly opened out, and a bullet hit your son in the forehead, killing him instantly. Your son was one of the best men on his team. I always found him a keen and reliable soldier. I just sent him on a Lewis Gun course, so that would be an additional help to me in the training of reserves, and he had already started this, with the results which were very pleasing to me. He will be very greatly missed by the others of his team, as he was always cheery and helped to tide them all over bad times. I went to his funeral this afternoon, and I understand the Wesleyan Chaplain who officiated is writing to you, giving all the particulars of where he is buried. Please accept my heart felt sorrow in your loss, and I shall miss him also, but I trust the blow will be softened by the knowledge that he did his duty,-Yours faithfully, C.G. Tomlinson, Sec.-Lieut” The other letter is from Lieut:. H.J. Newton, who says Pte Stocks “was a gallant lad” and an example to all his mates. In fact, I think I may say he was one of the very best of his Company and a credit to all his officers…..It was a great blow to us all, and I’m sure much greater to you and his friends in England, although there is one great consolation that he died fighting for his King and Country.” Pte Stocks enlisted in January, 1915, and had been in France since August 1915, not having been home on leave since then. He had been on machine gun work for some time, and had become skilled in his new sphere. All who knew him will not be surprised at this, and the good opinion of his Officers are only a confirmation of the estimates held of him by those who knew him and watched him grow up to manhood. He will be greatly missed in connection with the choir of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Shireoaks, where, in common with the other members of his family,, he was a consistent member. In Shireoaks cricket and football circles he was well known. The sympathies of all in the place will go out to the family, in the loss of one of whose future they were looking with high hope”.

Cemetery:- Bellacourt Military Cemetery, Riviere, France. Research by Colin Dannatt