Name
Arthur Massey
1889
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/02/1916
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
14563 (poss 14562)
Suffolk Regiment
8th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ALBERT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
I. C. 19.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour (Book), Hitchin
Pre War
He was born in 1889 in Hitchin and christened on 23 November 1889 in Holy Saviour, Hitchin, the son of George Henry Massey and Elizabeth. His father was a timber merchant and employer and remained that in all the census below while living at 102 Nightingale Rd, Hitchin. Most of his sons also worked in his trade.
In 1891, both parents were present George (36) and Elizabeth (29) and their children were listed as: Harry (12), Addy (11), Frank (George Frank 10), Tommy (Thomas 8), Willie Hawkins (3) an adopted son, Arthur (1) and Ernest, just 8 months old.
In 1901 both parents were still present and of the children listed above Addy and Willie were not present and the others had been joined by Percy (4).
In 1911, although both parents were present, the census recorded they had been married for 22 years, but with only 3 children which is clearly wrong, However 3 children were still living at home so maybe the question was misunderstood. Now the children at home were all working in their father’s business: Arthur now 22 was a timber carter, and Ernest and Percy were labouring in the timber yard.
Before he enlisted Arthur had moved to Ipswich and that is why he enlisted there.
Officially Arthur was recorded as born Hitchin, Herts and enlisting in Ipswich.
Wartime Service
He was posted to the 8th Battalion of the Regiment with the Regimental Number 14563 and after training hen was given the position of officer’s servant and could have remained in England, but preferred to go and do his bit. He embarked for France, landing on the 25 July 1915..
The 8th Battalion was part of the 53rd Brigade in the 18th Division at the time of his death. At first he was an officer's servant then became the Quartermaster's head scout. He was of a quiet reserved nature. but well thought of in the army. He had been at the front for six months when he was killed in action after being hit by a shell. At the time the Battalion was probably positioned just north of the Somme where the British and French Armies met.
The news of his death was conveyed in a letter by Capt. H Catchpole, in read: “In the field, Sunday, Feb.. --- it is with great grief I have to write and inform you of the death of your son, who was killed this morning by a shell. I cannot describe to you in words how grieved both officers and men are. He was a splendid soldier, always willing, the great favourite with all, and I, as his company commander, feel I have lost my right hand man and a friend. I shall attend his funeral tomorrow and place a wreath and cross on his grave as a token of respect for such a brave man. Anything I can do to give you full particulars where he was buried, et cetera., I shall be pleased to do. You will be pleased to hear his death was painless. --- yours very sincerely, Herbert Catchpole."
He was buried in Plot I, Row C, Grave 19 in the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension in France.
Additional Information
After his death £5 4s 6d was authorised to go to his father, George Henry Masswy, on 6 July 1916. Later, a war gratuity of £6 was authorised to be paid to him on 23 September 1919.
After Arthurs’s death his parent were recorded living at 43 Sunnyside, Hitchin.
Acknowledgments
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Jonty Wild
