Lives of the First World War

1917

Arthur Mellor was born on 16 November 1893, the fourth child and second son of Joshua and Annis Mellor. Joshua was a coal miner and the family address was given as Larks House. In the 1911 census, Arthur was also working in the coal industry as a trammer like his elder brother Lindley; a younger brother Reuben was working underground as a pony driver. Until he enlisted, Arthur had been employed by Messrs Tinker Bros, Wood Pit, Hepworth and Messrs J & JW Longbottom, Bridge Foundry, Holmfirth. In the report of his death, Arthur was described as “well-known in the district, especially in athletic circles, having made his appearance on the stage as a gymnast at a few of the local places of amusement and appeared likely to make a name for himself in this particular direction when the war broke out.” Arthur was called up on 13 March 1916 and served in 2/5 Bn of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. On 3 May 1917, his regiment formed part of 62nd (West Riding) Division which took part in the Battle of Bullecourt. The Division was tasked with reaching and holding the Hindenberg Support Trench and then advancing to the Fontaine-Queant road, effectively requiring the capture of the village of Bullecourt. Despite heavy fire and close-in fighting, Arthur’s regiment managed to penetrate to the northern outskirts of the village but reinforcements were unable to reach them. The regiment suffered heavy losses in men killed, missing or taken prisoner. On 19 May 1917, the Holmfirth Express reported that Mrs Mellor had been notified that Arthur was officially reported missing. The 12th platoon sergeant of C Company of the Battalion, one Sergeant Wood, had written to tell her that he was a Holmfirther himself and that he knew Arthur well as he was a member of his platoon. He wrote “I’m afraid that there were a few Holmfirth lads missing that day. He was a cheerful lad, always ready to help in any way. The remainder of the boys and myself extend to you our deepest sympathy in your hour of trouble.” The article concluded by noting that Arthur’s elder brother Lindley (also recorded in this community) had previously died in the war. It was not until almost a year later, in April 1918, that Mrs Mellor received notification from the War Office that Arthur, previously reported as missing, was now presumed dead. Through the same article, Arthur’s family requested any information regarding Arthur’s movements immediately prior to his disappearance.

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