Arthur Edwin Holwell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur Edwin was the son of Ambrose Edwin and Emma Rebecca Holwell (née Richards). His father Ambrose Edwin was born in 1864 at Wymswold, Leicestershire, the son of William and Betsey Holwell, and baptised at Wymswold parish church on 3 April 1864. His mother Emma Rebecca Richards was born in 1858 in Leicester. Ambrose and Emma were married in 1892 (reg. Barrow upon Soar registration district) and had two sons, who were both born in Nottingham: Thomas William b. 1893 (A/M/J) d. 1893 (J/A/S) and Arthur Edwin b. 1896 (reg. J/F/M). In 1901 Ambrose (36), a brewers' assistant and cellarman, and Emma (42) were living at 18 Belton Street, Hyson Green, Nottingham, with their son Arthur (5). Also in the household was a lodger, Jane Barks, a curtain mender. The family was still living at the same address in 1911. Arthur was employed as a hosiery machinist. Ambrose Holwell died in 1920 (J/F/M) and his widow was still living at 18 Belton Street when the CWGC record was compiled. Emma died in 1939.
Private Arthur Edwin Holwell enlisted at Nottingham and served with the 8th battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Edwin was killed in action on 29th September 1917. He is buried in Hagle Dump Cemetery (grave reference IV.D.3.). His grave was probaby brought in to the cemetery after the Armistice from either the Ypres Salient battlefields or Brielen Military Cemetery. CWGC - History of Hagle Dump Cemetery (extract): 'The cemetery, which was begun in April 1918, during the Battles of Lys, was named after a nearby stores dump. It was used by fighting units and field ambulances until the following October and was enlarged after the Armistice when more than 200 graves were brought into Plots III and IV from the battlefields of the Ypres Salient and Brielen Military Cemetery.' (www.cwgc.org)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 4 October 1917: ‘Holwell. Killed in action, Septe. 29Th, 1917, in his 22nd year, Pte AE Holwell KOYLI, of 18 Belton-street. Deeply mourned sorrowing mother, father and fiancée. Ever in our thoughts.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 8 October 1917: ‘Holwell. Killed in action, September 29th, Private Arthur E Holwell, KOYLI, aged 21. The supreme sacrifice. From his fellow-workers and principal, AE Howitt and Co, Forest-street Works, Hyson Green.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 29 September 1919: ‘Holwell. Pte. AE Holwell, KOYLI, killed in action Sept 29th 1917. There is a link death cannot sever; love and remembrance last for ever. Mother, father, fiancée.’ www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 29 September 1919: ‘Holwell. Pte. AE Holwell, KOYLI, killed in action Sept 29th 1917. Though death divides, fond memory clings, Fiancée, family.’ www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 29 September 1920: ‘Holwell. In loving memory of Pte AE Howell, KOYLI, killed in action 1917. An unknown grave is the bitterest blow, none but aching hears can know. Ever-loving mother and fiancée.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 29 September 1920: ‘Holwell. In loving memory of Pte AE Howell, KOYLI, killed in action 1917. Gone but not forgotten. Ada and family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father Ambrose was his legatee.
