Arthur Wilson
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Arthur Wilson was born in 1895 at Balderton, and was the son of Alexander an engine driver and Sarah Ann Wilson née Birden of 11 Woodbine Terrace, Balderton. His father Alexander was born in 1860 at Littleport in Cambridge, his mother Sarah Ann Birden was born in 1863 at Balderton, they were married in 1879 their marriage was recorded in the Newark Registration district, they went on to have 14 children, sadly one died in infancy or early childhood, their surviving children were John b1880, Ada b1883, Annie b1884, George b1888, Betsy b1890, Arthur b1895, Alfred b1896, Alice b1897, Evelyn b1889, Minnie b1890, Fred b1901 and Gladys Wilson b1905 , all were born in Balderton. In the 1911 census the family lived at 11 Woodbine Terrace Balderton. they are shown as Alexander 51 yrs an engine driver, he is living with his wife Sarah Ann 48 yrs and their children, Arthur 16 yrs a domestic gardener, Alfred 15 yrs a domestic gardener, Frederick 10 yrs a scholar, Alice 14 yrs a scholar, Evelyn 12 yrs a scholar, Minnie 11 yrs a scholar and Gladys 6 yrs a scholar.
Private Arthur Wilson enlisted at Newark on 31st August 1914 , he was 19 yrs and 291 days old, he was a labourer and lived at 11 Woodbine Terrace, Balderton , his next of kin was his father Alexandra Wilson of the same address. He was posted to the 9th battalion Leicestershire Regiment and landed in France on 29th July 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 14th July 1916 and was the company 'runner'. He was hit by a shell on 3rd May 1917 and died . His name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 5.
Article published on 19th May 1917 in the Newark Herald :- Third son of Alexander & Sarah Ann Wilson, 11 Woodbine Terrace, New Balderton. A native of Balderton and went to the Church School there. Afterwards entering Messrs. Simpson and Co.’s works, which he left and went to Messrs. Jas. Hole and Co. Enlisted on Sept. 1st, 1914. Employed as a company runner, a position dangerous and full of responsibility. Shortly before an assault, while accompanying Captain Lee on a final tour of the company, he fell while crossing a trench and badly hurt his ankle, but persisted in taking part in the attack. He advanced with the rest , but only for about fifty yards, when he fell down again. He was carried back through terrible enemy shell fire to the trench they had left and while resting there, was hit by a shell and died as he was carried back to the dressing station. The first news of his death was received in a letter from his brother, Pte. Alfred Wilson, who is in the same regiment. An elder brother, Pte George Wilson, of the machine gun section, has been wounded twice and has gone out for a third time.
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