Arthur Wilson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Father: William Wilson, born in 1854 in Nottingham and working as a circular hand. Mother: Anne Wilson, born in 1855 in Nottingham. Brothers: Harry, born in 1882 and working as a railway porter, John, born in 1893 and working as a lace van man and Robert, born in 1896 and working as an errand boy Sisters: Grace, born in 1891 and working as a cotton winder, Alice, born in 1895 and working as an errand girl and Emma, born in 1898 who was still at school. Research Peter Foster. The above information relates to the 1911 Census when the family, including Arthur (22), was living at 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, Nottingham. According to the 1911 Census, William and Annie had had 15 children born alive of whom 14 were still living at the time of the census. Fourteen children were named on the earlier census 1891-1901 (see below): Rose, Lucy/Louise, Maria, William (known as Bill), Elizabeth, Henry (Harry), Thomas, Priscilla, Arthur, Grace, John, Alice, Robert (known as Bob) and Emma. 1881 Census: 13 Snow(?) Hill, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Paul’s. William Wilson (28) framework knitter, Ann Wilson (29), Rose (9), Lucy (7), Maria Wilson (5), William (3), Elizabeth (1), Henry (10 days). 1891 Census: 9 Silverwood Place, Nottingham in the ecclesiastical parish of St Mary. William Wilson (37) framework knitter, Ann Wilson (38), Louise (16) doubler, Maria (14) errand girl, William (12), Elizabeth (11), Henry (10), Thomas (7), Priscilla (6), Arthur (2) and Grace (2 months). 1901 Census: 1 Front Row, Nottingham. William Wilson (48) hosiery framework knitter, Ann Wilson (46), William(23) assistant (?), Elizabeth (21) cotton (?), Harry (20) (?) worker, Thomas (19) general labourer, Priscilla (17) cotton (?), Arthur (12), Grace (11), John (8), Alice (6), Robert (5), Emma (3). His older brother Harry was killed on 1 November 1914 and younger brother, 71608 Serjeant Robert Wilson, 2nd Bn Sherwood Foresters, was killed on 1 July 1917 age 22 but his death was not confirmed until the following year (Loos Memorial). Their brother Jack [John] also served and according to the notice of Robert's death in the local paper in March 1918 he was serving in Egypt. Their parents were still living at 52 Upper Eldon Street when Robert's death was confirmed in March 1918.
Short Service Attestation survives. Pte. Wilson attested on 25/08/1914 at Nottingham, and was posted to the Lincolnshire Regimental Depot on 01/09/1914. On 10/09/1914 he was posted to 6th battalion. There is a note on his service documents dated 27 November 1914 that he was discharged as 'not being likely to become an efficient soldier' and his military history sheet records his service as 'Home 28 August 1914-27 November 1914. Home 7 March 1916. Expeditionary Force France 8 March 1916.' There is, though, also a record that he was posted to the 9th battalion on 26/10/1915 and to the 3rd Bn on 17 November 1915. It would seem that regardless of his efficiency as a soldier in 1914 he was again serving with the regiment by October 1915. He was drafted to France and the 7th battalion on 08/03/1916. He was wounded in the Somme fighting on 18/08/1916 with a gunshot wound to his left hand. He was taken to 51st Field Ambulance and then on to 1/1 Casualty Clearing Station before being passed to 9th General Hospital at Rouen. He rejoined the battalion, but was killed in action on 03/11/1916. Pte. Wilson was buried at London Cemetery & Extension at Longueval. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His brother Harry Wilson (served as Armstrong )was killed in action on 01/11/1914; he apparently served with the Lincolnshire Regiment. Arthur named his parents and brother John as his next of kin when he enlisted in 1914. All three lived at 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton. His father, William, was his legatee. Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 22 November 1916: 'Wilson. Killed in action November 3rd 1916, Private Arthur Wilson. Also brother Harry Wilson, killed November 1st 1914. Brother Bill, sister Maria. Son of Mr and Mrs W Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, age (-) years. Fifteen years with the GNR. Mother, father, sisters, brothers Bill [William], Tom, Jack [John] and Bob [Robert].' Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 27 March 1918: ‘Wilson. Reported missing July 1st 1917, now reported killed. Sergeant R Wilson (Bob) Sherwood Foresters age 22. Son of Mr and Mrs Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street. Father, mother, sisters, brothers. Jack in Egypt.’
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