| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Arthur was born in Beverley in Feb 1896, and was baptised at Wednesday Market Methodist Church. He attended Minster Boys' School, where he became senior pupil teachers' assistant. In 1911 aged 15, he was employed as a printer's errand boy. In Apr 1912, aged 16, he enlisted in the Yorkshire Beverley Territorials as a Drummer Boy. He was mobilised in 1914 and embarked for France on 18 Apr 1915 serving with the 5th and 9th Battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment in France and Belgium throughout the war.
Together with another member of his Battalion, Arthur helped to save the life of another soldier, whose father, Mr A Johnson, wrote a letter of thanks that was published in the Beverley Guardian dated 22 May 1915:
"I would thank these brave lads, Pte. John Chapman and Pte. A. Williamson, of the 5th Yorkshire Territorials for the timely help they gave to my son under heavy fire and danger to themselves …".
Arthur was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 15 Star and discharged and transferred to the Reserves on 3 Mar 1919.
On 1 Nov 1919, he joined the Lincolnshire Constabulary where he served for more than thirty years, attaining the rank of Inspector. He retired in 1951. Arthur married Gladys Amelia Baker in 1921, they had three sons and one daughter. Arthur died in Jun 1975.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |