BOOTH Arthur

Arthur Booth was born 8th December 1895.  His father was George H Booth and his mother Sarah (formerly Chambers).  In 1901 the census shows that the Booth family were living at 276 Newbridge Lane Old Whittington and George was a Coal Miner. Arthur was 5 yrs old when the census was taken and attending school.

He attended  Websters Endowed School until he was transferred in 1904, possibly to the school on The Brushes which opened in 1902.

By the 1911 census the family had moved to 22 Newbridge Street and at the age of 15 yrs Arthur is now working.  He is classed as a miner like his father.

Newbridge St ran from the bottom of Whittington Hill to its junction with Newbridge Lane, as shown on the map below.

 

Arthur enlisted 31st August 1914 in the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters ‘B’Company. The Battalion left for France in July 1915 and in August 1915 were involved in fighting in the Southern Ypres Salient.  Arthur died approx six weeks after arriving in France on 17th August 1915.

An article in Derbyshire Courier Tuesday Sept 7 1915  reports Arthur’s death. It also gives an insight into the character of Arthur.

SHOT BY LONG DISTANCE SNIPER

Old Whittington Soldier Dies of Wounds

News has just been received that Private Arthur Booth, who prior to the war lived with his parents at 22 New Bridge St Old Whittington, has died of wounds received in France. Private Booth enlisted in the 10th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters ‘B’Company on 31st August last year and had been in France about six weeks to the time of his death.  He was a bright and cheery young fellow and highly esteemed amongst his friends and comrades.     It appears that Booth was making his way down to Battalion Headquarters by means of a Communication Trench, when he was hit in the head by a bullet from a sniper.   From a Comrade who was with him at the time of the unfortunate occurrence comes also the news that he only lived a very short time after the accident.

The Platoon Commander writing to Mr and Mrs Booth says their son died from wounds.  “I thought ” continues the Commander “I would write and let you know  my sorrow and my sympathy is with you.  He was the first man I had lost from the Platoon, consequently I feel it all the more. Going down a Communication Trench  he was hit in the head by a bullet from a long distance sniper.  He lived some little time after having received the wound, but there was never any real hope of his recovery.  It was at the dressing station close  by that he passed away.  I am pleased to say he is buried decently.   These cut and dried facts seem awfully hard and unsatisfactory to give to people who must be sorrowing deeply, but I thought you would like to know them.  He was a good man and I am sorry to lose him.  He may not have been brilliant, but he was always reliable and steady.  But what is my loss when you have lost a son?  May God show you the Blessedness of mourning and comfort you.  Remember he gave his Son for us and knows what sorrowing means.  you have my deepest sympathy ”         –    Yours sincerely W N Hoyle.

It is about nine weeks ago since Private Booth visited his parents.

( Image from Derbyshire Courier September 7 1915)

The article above states that Arthur had been buried ‘decently’.  I could find no record of Arthurs grave until I was given a tip by a fellow researcher, Judith Beastall.

Apparently Arthur has been buried under the name of Arthur Chambers.

Army Number : 14548

Battalion : 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Son of Sarah Ann Booth (Formerly Chambers), of 22, New Bridge Street, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Died : 17th August 1915.

Buried/Commemorated : Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Information on the cemetery can be found at

The grave registration report is in the name of Arthur Chambers

and Mrs Booth had an inscription on Arthur’s headstone.

The Inscription reads:

‘Till the Day Breaks’

I have no idea why he enlisted as Arthur Chambers, (taking his mothers maiden name) when all records prior to joining up are in the name of Booth.  However, all the military records appear to be in the name of Arthur Chambers.  The main thing is that we have now found Arthur’s final resting place.

Arthur was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 14/15 Star.

He is remembered (in the name of Arthur Booth) on Old Whittington and The Brushes War Memorial and he is remembered on the Sherwood Foresters Roll of Honour as Arthur Chambers and it can be found here