Arthur Andrew Wass
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur Andrew was the son of Arthur and Emma Wass (née Hayes). His parents were both born in Sutton in Ashfield and were married in 1895. They had five children who were also born in Sutton in Ashfield: Eliza Ann H b. 1895, Arthur Andrew b. 1897 (reg. O/N/D) Lizzie b. abt 1900, Jane b. 1903 and John William b. 1908. In 1901 Arthur snr, a bricklayer's labourer, and his wife were living at The Rookery, Devonshire Square, Sutton in Ashfield. In the home on the night of the census were Arthur (3) and Lizzie (1). The eldest daughter, Eliza Ann, has not yet been traced in 1901. By 1911 the famiy had moved to 7 Chatsworth Street, Sutton in Ashfield: Arthur a shotfirer (coal mine), Emma and Eliza (15) a lace hand, Arthur Andrew a miner/ganger, Lizzie, Jane (7) and John William (2). Arthur's parents were still living at the same address when the later CWGC record was compiled. His mother Emma died in 1927.
1st Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps Corporal Arthur Wass probably enlisted in 1914. He was killed on 27 July 1916 during an attack at Delville Wood. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 13 A and 13 B). The Battle of Delville Wood (15 July-3 September 1916) was one of the engagements of the Battle of the Somme. The village of Longueval, captured by the British on 9 July, and Deville Wood formed a salient exposed to German artillery. The offensive began on 14 July (Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14-17 July) with an attack on one of the German positions. The attack was successful, but costly in casualties. Attacks and counter-attacks concentrated on the wood marked the next seven weeks until the 1st South African Infantry Brigade captured Delville Wood on 15 July. They held the wood, with heavy casualties, until relieved six days later by British units including the 1st Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps. On 27 July at 0710, following a one hour barrage, the 1st Battalion and the 23rd Royal Fusiliers began their advance on the wood. One of Arthur's comrades described the experience in a letter to Arthur's family. (See 'Extra information')
CWGC: 'Son of Arthur and Emma Wass, of 7, Chatsworth: St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham.' Report published in the Nottingham Free Press, 18th August :- “PRIVATE ARTHUR WASS. “Enlisting nearly two years ago when but 17 years of age, Private Arthur Wass, of 7, Chatsworth Street, Sutton, has been killed in action. Formerly he worked at the New Hucknall Colliery; but shortly after the outbreak of war joined the King's Royal Rifles. “Private G. A. Wood [1], a friend of the deceased soldier, writes as follows to his parents:- “I received your letter this morning telling me of poor Arthur's death. He was such a bright youth and was, well, I will say, loved by his comrades, and always brave and cool under the most trying circumstances. I can assure you that he will be sorely missed by us who knew him so well, always willing to give a joke and could take one in the best of spirits. I must now assure you that you have my heartfelt sympathy in your terrible loss. Perhaps there will be a little consolation in knowing that he died in taking part in one of the greatest battles ever fought in this war, and ended so successfully. Of course we know how our dear ones at home must feel but then we always pray to God to do His best for us in our own little way, so you see we are, or the majority of us, always ready to pay the extreme sacrifice if it be needed. “Now perhaps you would like to hear of the attack and how it developed. We were in Delville Wood at the time, and had been there some three days. Then we were moved to our positions for the attack, which started at seven o'clock on the 27th July. My Company and Arthur's were the first two Companys [sic] over the parapet. We got [to] the trenches, [with] hardly any casualties at all. After we had been digging in for a considerable time the Germans opened a heavy bombardment on our new positions, causing a great number of casualties amongst our ranks, but everyone stood firm and gave up nothing they had gained. Then our other two Companies came up to reinforce us. Just after that I got hit myself, and I went to the dressing station to have my wounds attended to. At every chance of seeing any of Arthur's Company I made enquiries as to his welfare. At first it was good news I heard. Then one who knew him came talking to me about Arthur, as he had seen us talking together, and told me Arthur had been hit, but he did not know at the time whether he was hurt seriously or not. I wish now that I had taken his name so I could have sent it on to you, then perhaps you would be able to know the facts of his death, which I am most sorry to say I cannot give you, as I was not of his Company, but I will certainly let you know all I hear about it, if only to console your dear hearts. I must now close this letter telling you how proud I was to be acquainted with such a gallant youth, and assuring you of my deepest sympathy.” [1] Rfn. George Wood, 1st, later 12th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, survived the war. Above courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Registers of Solciers' Effects: his father Arthur Wass was his legatee
