Arthur James Nash
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur James was the twin son of James Frederick and Ellen Nash (neé Williams).James Frederick Nash was a lay clerk at Bristol cathedral but also at various times 'on his own account' a musician, teacher of music, teacher of piano and singing and a professor of music.James and Ellen were married on 12 March 1883 at St Barnabas, Bristoland had four children: Frederic Percy, Arthur James and Francis Edgar b. 22 January 1885 bap. St Saviour 17 April 1885 and Alice Dorothy. All the children were born in the environs of Bristol.In 1891 James (33) and Ellen (31) were living at 39 Hampton Place, Westbury on Trym, with their twin six-year old sons, Arthur and Francis. James employed a general domestic servant. On the night of the census their eldest son, Frederic, was in the home of two maternal aunts, Alice Williams (29) and Minnie Williams (23), both school mistresses at the National School, Warmley, Gloucestershire and presumably living in the school house.By 1901 the family was living at 18 Hampton Park, which was to be their home for many years. All four children were in the home on the night of the census: Frederic (17) a clerk in a school education office, Arthur (16) a clerk at a cocoa factory, Francis a clerk in a corn merchant's office and Alice (5).Only Francis, who was still working for a corn merchant, and Alice (15) a part-time student, were living with their parents in 1911. Frederic, now a clerk in holy orders, was a boarder living at 22 Bromsgrove Road, Redditch, while Arthur was a student of divinity at Kelham Hall. James and Ellen were still living at 18 Hampton Road when Arthur was killed in 1918 and this is also their address on the later CWGC record.However, by the time of James' death in February 1928 he and Ellen, and probably their unmarried daughter Alice, were living on Shirehampton Road, Sea Mills, Bristol. Ellen died in March 1937.Francis Edgar served in the Royal Flying Corps as a clerk motorcyclist, attesting on 8 November 1915. He transferred to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918 and then to the RAF Reserve on 26 March 1919; he was discharged on 30 April 1920.
Arthur James Nash enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in 1915 (6633, 267551). He was commissioned second lieutenant on 27th June 1917. Arthur was an observation officer and was killed by a sniper on 13th June 1918 while on reconnaissance. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
The Society of the Sacred Mission’s newsletter: 'He was acting as observation officer when he was sniped. His commanding officer wrote: 'I cannot tell you how deeply we all feel his loss. He was one of the most conscientious officers I have ever had under my command. He was quite fearless, and an officer such as he is difficult to replace. His reconnaissance on this sad occasion was a brilliant piece of work, and gave me much valuable information.'' (www.aksplough.co.uk)Probate: Nash Arthur James of 18 Hampton Park Redland Bristol second lieutenant 5th battalion Notts and Derby regiment died 13 June 1918 in France or Belgium Probate Bristol 30 November to Henry James Williams assistant superintendent post office. Effects £285 3s. 7d.Western Daily Press. 9 February 1928: Death of Mr JF Nash. ‘Father’ of Bristol Cathedral Staff. We regret to announce the death of Mr James Frederick Nash, who passed away on Monday, in his 71st year, at 164 Shirehampton Road, Sea Mills. Mr Nash had a unique record in connection with the Cathedral, his length of service running to a period of about 50 years. He joined the choir in 1867, and when he lost his treble voice in 1871 he left, but he as reappointed in 1880, and did not retire until about two years ago … For a long period of years he was senior lay clerk and ‘Father’ of the Cathedral staff … The funeral is arranged for Friday, at 2pm at Canford.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
