Arthur Huish
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur was the son of Charles Hancock Huish and Amelia Huish (nee Harbour). Both Charles and Amelia had been born in Chard, Somerset, and had married there in 1871. They had at least five children; Rose, Lily, Clara, William and Arthur. All the children except Arthur were born in Chard. Arthur's mother, Amelia, died in 1903 (Jul/Aug/Sep), aged 55, and his father married Alice Newborough in 1905 (Oct/Nov/Dec). Alice was probably a widow who had had one child who was still living at the time of the 1911 census. By 1891 Charles, a lace maker, and Amelia had left Somerset and were living on Peas Hill Road, St Ann's, with their five children, Rose Jane (18), Lily (17), Clara (15), William (12) and Arthur (3). By 1901 they were living at 8 Lewis Terrace, St Ann's. Only William, Clara and Arthur were still at home, their sisters having married. Rose had married William Arthur Mees in 1892 and was living at 40 Blewitt St, St Ann’s, with her husband and son (6), while Lily had married John Cawthorne. Arthur's third sister, Clara, later married William Henry Bell and by the time of the 1911 census was living at 71 Denman Street, Radford, with William and their four children. Arthur meanwhile was living with his father and stepmother at 12 Comyn Street, off Great Freeman Street, St Ann's. Charles Huish completed a form for the Army on 6 September 1919 listing Arthur's surviving relatives (a form he signed with his mark). Charles and his second wife Alice were still at 12 Comyn Street, Nottingham, and William (41) was living at 5 Oldham Street, Nottingham. Clara Bell (43) was living at 50 Denman Street, Nottingham and Lily Cawthorne (46) at 61 Burnham Street, Sherwood. The address of Rose Mees was given as 'asylum'; she had been admitted to the Nottingham Asylum on 29 June 1908. Rose died in the asylum on 11 July 1934.
Arthur was 26 years old when he enlisted at Tuxford in the RAMC (21 Notts and Derby Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance RAMC) on 28 April 1915. His service toward engagement reckoned from 28 April 1915 and he served at home until he embarked at Devonport on 9 February 1917 for Mesopotamia, disembarking in Basra on 19 May 1917. He joined the 31st British Stationary Hospital, Baghdad, on 7 August 1917. However, on 26 September the same year he was admitted to the Isolation Hospital, Baghdad, where he died of appendicitis and measles ('due to field operations') on 5 October. His condition had been considered dangerous on 3 October and telegrams were sent to his family. He was buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery (grave ref. XII.D.11). He had served in the RAMC for 2 years and 161 days. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 19 October 1917: 'Huish. Died from appendicitis and measles on October 5th 1917, Private Arthur Huish RAMC, age 29.' His personal property was returned to his father in April 1918 and comprised: 1 gold ring, 3 coins, false teeth (upper and lower) (one broken), cigarette case, two razors, 1 pocket wallet, 17 cards, 14 photographs, 1 cloth belt, 9 letters, 1 fountain pen and filler, 1 jack knife, 1 handkerchief.
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