Arthur DOBSON

‘Burnley News’ (30 October 1915)

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

MISSING AFTER LOOS

Though no official notification has been received from the War Office, Mrs. Dobson of 53, Olympia-street, Burnley entertains little hope for the safety of her son, Pte. Arthur Dobson, of the 10th Scottish Rifles. A friend of Dobson’s who is in the same regiment has written home informing the family that the unfortunate soldier was missing after the Battle of Loos.

Private Dobson, who is 23 years of age, formerly worked at Smith’s tanyard in Plumbe Street. Prior to coming to Burnley he was a prominent member of the Sabden Band. He was also associated with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

‘Burnley News’ (11 December 1915)

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

KILLED AT LOOS

Mrs. Dobson, who resides at 53, Olympia-street, Burnley, has just received official news that her son, Private Arthur Dobson, of the 10th Scottish Rifles, was killed in action at Loos on the 25th September. Some weeks ago Mrs. Dobson had word from one of her son’s chums at the Front, informing her that Private Dobson was reported missing after the battle of Loos, and has consequently been in suspense until Wednesday of this week, when she received the sad news that her son had been killed. The deceased soldier was 23 years of age and formerly worked at Smith’s tanyard in Plumbe-street.

‘Burnley News’ (15 December 1915)

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

A memorial service was conducted at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Sunday for the late Private Arthur Dobson, who had been connected with the school and church. The pastor, Rev. J.B. Clarke, was the preacher.

‘Burnley Express’ (15 December 1915)

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

“SCOTTIE” GOES UNDER

ANOTHER BURNLEY VICTIM OF LOOS BATTLE

There were so many Burnley men in the 10th Scottish Rifles that it came to be known among the men as the Burnley Rifles. In the action at Loos on Sept. 25th several Burnley men lost their lives, and yesterday’s official casualty list stated that Private (16535) A. Dobson, who had previously been reported as missing, was now reported killed. Private Arthur Dobson was a Burnley man, and one of seven sons of Mrs. Dobson, of 53, Olympia-street. Mrs. Dobson has given four sons to the services, and another who offered himself was rejected because of defective eyesight.

Arthur, who has now been officially reported killed, was aged 23 years, and worked at Messrs. Smith’s tanyard in Plumbe-street. Mrs. Dobson had heard from a Padiham member of the same regiment that her son was seen by him on Hill 70, but Arthur’s colleague with whom there had been a compact to write to his mother if he fell has written to say that they got separated in a charge and he had not seen Arthur since. Mrs. Dobson would be obliged to any member of the regiment if they could give her any other particulars about her son. She has not, despite the official news, given up all hope that her son may still be alive, probably a prisoner. Prior to coming to Burnley Arthur was a prominent member of the Sabden band. He was associated with Mount Pleasant Church, Burnley.

Jesse, the 22 years old son, is a private in the R.A.M.C., and went to France last Christmas. He has now been sent to England, and his mother has this week had word from the military hospital at Poole that he had been successfully operated upon for appendicitis.

Two sons are in the Navy, Harold, who is aged 30, and since being married has made his home in a southern part, has been15 years in the service. His brother Joseph, aged 26, enlisted in the Navy last Saturday. Wilfred failed to pass the eyesight test.