Arthur Chester
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- Military History
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Arthur was the son of Thomas Chester and Eliza Chester nee Gilding. Arthur was born in Alfreton, Derbyshire, and Eliza in Nottingham. They were married in Nottingham in 1875 (marriage registered O/N/D Radford) and had nine children all of whom were still living at the time of the 1911 Census. Nine children were named on the census between 1891 and 1911; Thomas (birth registered 1879 J/F/M) Lucy, (birth registered 1881 J/A/S), Arthur, Emma, Annie (birth registered 1886 A/M/J), Harry, Charles, William (b. abt 1895) and Eliza Edith/Edith Eliza (birth registered 1897 J/F/M). All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1891 Thomas (40), a foreman bricklayer, and Eliza (35) were living on Colsterworth Terrace, Nottingham, with their six children, Thomas (12), Lucy (9), Arthur (7), Emma (6), Annie (5) and Harry (2). By 1901 the family was living at Harlequin, Radcliffe on Trent. All nine children were at home on the night of the census; Thomas (22) bricklayer, Lucy (19) pattern girl, Arthur (17) bricklayer, Emma (16) chemical packer, Annie (15), Harry (13), Charles (9), William (6) and Edith (4). Thomas and Eliza had moved back to Nottingham by 1911 and were living at 25 Atlas Street. Only six of their children were in the home on the night of the census; Arthur (27) bricklayer, Annie (25) 'at home', Henry (22) bricklayer, Charles (19) comb hand, William (16) bricklayer and Edith (14) tailoress. The eldest son, Thomas (32), had married Polly Saunders Taylor in 1901 (marriage registered A/M/J Nottingham) and in 1911 they were living at 1 Bernard Terrace, Carrington, with their three children, May (9), Thomas (5) and Stanley (3). Arthur's younger brother, William, also served during the war. It seems that he was initially in the Royal Artillery (gunner) but later transferred to the Royal Engineers (sapper). He attested on 18 September 1916 and served with the BEF France from 1 January 1917 until 22 April 1917 when he was transferred to home service until returning to France on 10 September 1917. He was demobilised in early 1919; his home address was given as 50 Queen's Walk, Nottingham, which in 1916 had been the address of his mother who was named as his next of kin. Arthur's father died aged 71 on 27 December 1922 and his mother in 1923 (death registered March Nottingham) aged 67.
He was reported missing on 21 March 1918 but his death was not confirmed until July the following year. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 22 July 1919: ‘Chester. Missing since March 21st 1918, now reported killed, Private Arthur Chester, 1/7th (sic) Robin Hoods, son of Mr and Mrs Chester of Queen’s Walk. Mother, father, brothers, sisters.' His mother, Eliza, was his legatee. Probate: 'Chester Thomas of 50 Queens-walk Nottingham builders foreman died 27 December 1922 Probate Nottingham 4 July to Walter Gilding factory manager and Arthur Gilding hosiery manufacturer. Effects £351 13s.5d.' The executors may have been relatives of Thomas' widow, Eliza Chester nee Gilding.
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