Name
Arthur Constable
1892
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
09/08/1916
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
20576
Bedfordshire Regiment
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 2C
France
Headstone Inscription
N/A
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, Holy Saviour Church War Memorial, Radcliffe Rd., Hitchin, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin, St Faith's Church War Memorial, Walsworth, St Katherine’s Church Memorial, Ickleford
Pre War
Arthur is believed to have been born in Walsworth late on 1893. His birth was registered in Hitchin, and he was christened there on 4 March 1894. His parents were Clement and Ellen Constable.
In 1901 the family were living at Lower Green, Ickleford. Present were both parents: Clement (32) and Ellen (30), with Clement working as a shepherd. Their children were: Arthur (8), Grace (6), Clara (4) and Mary (1).
In 1911 the family were still living at Lower Green, Ickleford and Clement still working as a shepherd. Present were both parents, and the census recorded they had been married for 19 years with 6 children of whom 1 had died. All the children listed above were present except Grace. Arthur was now 18 and also working as a shepherd. Another brother was present, Robert (8).
His father worked for Mr A.Wallace.
Officially Arthur was recorded as born in Walsworth, Herts, and living there when he enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
Arthur enlisted in Bedford in May 1915 and joined the Bedfordshire Regiment. He went to France in February 1916 and served with the 6th Battalion under the Regimental Number 20576. The Battalion was part of the 12th Brigade of the 37th Division.
The Battalion was at Bazentin-le-Petit on the Somme on the 6th August 1916 and took part in operations there around the Intermediate Line. They came under heavy fire from High Wood and made no progress so that their patrols were ordered to withdraw with their casualties, including the wounded, being left behind.
Arthur was presumed killed in action on or since 9 August 1916. during the Battle of Pozieres. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Additional Information
War gratuity of £4 10s awarded to his father Clement.
Clement and Ellen Constable were later recorded at 4 William Road, Walsworth, Hitchin, Herts.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Brenda Palmer, Jonty Wild, www.bedfordregiment.org.uk
