From the Burnt Records
When Arthur attested at Kettering on 25th November 1915, he was living at 206 Wellingborough Road, Rushden, working as a clerk for the Midland Railway, 6' 1" tall, aged 36 and unmarried. He was reserved until he was called for posting on 25th March 1916. Following training he was sent to France on 26th February 1917. His mother Mary Jane Ward of Bilsthorpe was his next of kin, but his effects were sent to his brother Sidney Herbert Ward of Guiseley in 1919. |
The Rushden Echo, Friday 20 April 1917, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Rushden Railway Clerk Killed - Private Arthur Ward
Attempt to Capture Village
News has been received this (Friday) morning that Pte Arthur Ward, of the Sherwood Foresters, former booking clerk at the Rushden M.R. Station, was killed in action in France on Good Friday night. It appears that the soldier met his end during an attempt to capture a village from the Germans. It is but six weeks since he went to France, having enlisted on March 20th, 1916.
The deceased soldier, who was about 38 years of age, had been in the employ of the Midland Railway Company for about 21 years, and as a member of the Rushden staff, was greatly respected by his colleagues.
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