Arthur Bushnell
Arthur Bushnell (1887-1914)
Arthur was born in 1887 in London but was living in Burbage with his grandfather Charles Bushnell at 75 High St at the time of the 1891 Census. By 1901, age 13, he was living with his elder brother William (b 1875) in Reading while his mother and sister were in London.
Arthur joined the Militia in 1904. His attestation papers, signed in Devizes, record that before joining the 3rd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, he was living at Hampstead Marshall near Newbury and working as an agricultural labourer. His father, Charles Bushnell, was reported as living at 75 High Street, Burbage. His Army number at the time was 7545. He was 5ft 5 1/2ins tall, weighed 107lbs, he had light brown hair and blue eyes.
By the time of the March 1911 Census he was living with his mother, Martha Jane Bushnell (b 1856) at 89 High St, Burbage.
Private Arthur Bushnell’s medal card records his new Army number 7027 and service with 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.
Upon mobilization and declaration of war, the 1st Wilts deployed to France as part of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. The Battalion embarked at Southampton on 13th August for France arriving the next day.
1st Battalion War Diary Excerpt
1914-10-12
| Regiment. | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, [La Contoure] |
| Entry | (Monday) 9.30a.m. Bde marched from HINGES to neighbourhood of LA COUTURE, where Worcesters, S Lancs and R I R became engaged with the enemy along the left bank of the river LOISNE. C Coy went in to fill gap between 7th & 8th Bdes and D Coy went to reinforce the Worcesters, but, were ordered back about midnight. B Coy remained with 42nd Bde R F A as escort. |
1914-10-13
| Regiment. | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, [La Contoure] |
| Entry | (Tuesday) Bde advanced across the river LOISNE driving the enemy back. Battn H Q removed to E entrance to LA COUTURE which was shelled at intervals throughout the day. 8.45p.m. C Coy returned from the firing line reported 9 killed 8 wounded. |
Arthur was killed on 13 October 1914 age 27, presumably as a member of C Company.
His service is recorded by Commonwealth Wargraves Commission at Le Touret Memorial and in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919, on the Roll of Honour in All Saint's Church, and the War Memorial in Burbage.
Print