Main CPGW Record
Surname: MOTTERSHEAD
Forename(s): Arthur
Place of Birth: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Service No: 241375
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Battalion / Unit: 5th/6th Battalion
Division: 33rd Division
Age: 19
Date of Death: 1918-10-03
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: V. B. 3.
CWGC Cemetery: VILLERS HILL BRITISH CEMETERY, VILLERS-GUISLAIN
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Arthur Mottershead was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Mottershead, née Walsh. Both parents were born at Macclesfield, Cheshire.
1901 Macclesfield, Cheshire Census: 244, Crompton Road - Arthur Mottershead, aged 2 years, born Macclesfield, son of Charles and Elizabeth Mottershead.
1911 Earby, Yorkshire Census: 11, Island Street - Arthur Mottershead, aged 12 years, born Macclesfield, Cheshire, son of Charles and Elizabeth Mottershead.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Arthur Motterhead [sic], 241375, Scottish Rifles.
On the 29 May 1916, the 1/5th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) amalgamated with the 1/6th Battalion to form the 5th/6th Battalion.
The CPGW book, page 368, has the photograph of Sergeant Richard Wharton named as Rifleman Arthur Mottershead.
Arthur (as Arthur Mothershead) is commemorated in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh.
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
MOTTERSHEAD, Arthur, aged 20, Scottish Rifles, 4, Grove Street, [Earby], killed in action Oct. 3, 1918.
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Private Arthur MOTTERSHEAD
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 33rd Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
01 November 1918
EARBY – Rifleman Arthur Mottershead
Rifleman Arthur Mottershead, Scottish Rifles, officially reported killed in action on October 3rd, was 20 years of age and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Mottershead, 4 Grove Street, Earby. Prior to joining the Army in September 1916, he was employed by Messrs. B. and W. Hartley, Brook Shed, Earby.
He went out to France in December last. A letter from his officer (Lieut. Miller) states that Rifleman Mottershead was killed by a shell along with four others south of Cambrai. “He was always brave and cheerful; shells, bullets or bombs all came alike to him. He was one of the most reliable men in his platoon, and never grumbled at anything.”
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
01 November 1918
MOTTERSHEAD – In loving memory of Rifleman Arthur Mottershead, Scottish Rifles, killed in action Oct. 3rd, 1918, aged 20 years.
We were watching for him coming,
Longing to clasp his hand;
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in the Better Land.
– From his Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters. 14, Grove Street, Earby.
01 November 1918
Earby Casualties
Rifleman Arthur Mottershead, Scottish Rifles, officially reported killed in action on Oct. 3rd, was 20 years of age and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Mottershead, 4, Grove Street, Earby. Prior to joining the army in September, 1916, he was employed by Messrs. B. and W. Hartley, Brook Shed, Earby. He went out to France in December last. A letter from his officer (Lieut. Millar) states that Rifleman Mottershead was killed by a shell along with four others south of Cambrai. “He was always brave and cheerful;. shells, bullets, or bombs all came alike to him… He was one of the most reliable men in his platoon, and never grumbled at anything.”
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