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Arthur SWINDLEHURST

Main CPGW Record

Surname: SWINDLEHURST

Forename(s): Arthur

Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire

Service No: 22319

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Northumberland Fusiliers

Battalion / Unit: 'A' Coy 13th (Service) Battalion

Division: 21st Division

Age: 25

Date of Death: 1916-01-12

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: IX. E. 100.

CWGC Cemetery: CITE BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY, ARMENTIERES

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Arthur Swindlehurst was the son of Edward and Hanah Maria Swindlehurst, née Atack. Edward was born at Arnside, Westmorland and Hannah at Kirkthorpe, Yorkshire.

1891 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 14, Belgrave Street - Arthur Swindlehurst, aged 4 months, born Skipton, son of Edward and Hannah M. Swindlehurst.

1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 14, Airedale Terrace - Arthur Swindlehurst, aged 10 years, born Skipton, son of Edward and Hannah M. Swindlehurst.

1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 14, Airedale Terrace - Arthur Swindlehurst, aged 20 years, born Skipton, son of Edward and Hanah [sic] Maria Swindlehurst.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Arthur Swindlehurst, 22319, Northumberland Fusiliers. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 7 October 1915.

On the 10 August 1917, the 13th (Service) Bn Northumberland Fusiliers amalgamated with the 12th (Service) Bn Northumberland Fusiliers to form the 12th/13th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers.

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

SWINDLEHURST, Arthur, aged 25, Northumberland Fusiliers, 14, Aireview Terrace, [Skipton], killed in action, France, Jan. 11, 1916.

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Private Arthur SWINDLEHURST

Private Arthur SWINDLEHURST

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Northumberland Fusiliers

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Northumberland Fusiliers

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 21st Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 21st Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: SWINDLEHURST

Forename(s): Arthur

Born: Skipton, Yorks

Residence:

Enlisted: Keighley, Yorks

Number: 22319

Rank: Private

Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers

Battalion: 13th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 12/01/16

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: SWINDLEHURST

Forename(s): A

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 22319

Rank: Private

Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers

Unit: 13th Bn.

Age:

Awards:

Died Date: 12/01/1916

Additional Information:

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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records

Pupils at Skipton’s Christ Church School

Pupils at Skipton’s Christ Church School

Pupils at Skipton’s Christ Church School dressed as Pierrot characters for the town’s 1903 hospital gala: Arthur Swindlehurst, front row, fifth from the left and his brother, Alfred Swindlehurst, front row, third from the right

Courtesy of Philip Leighton

WEST YORKSHIRE PIONEER ILLUSTRATED WAR RECORD

WEST YORKSHIRE PIONEER ILLUSTRATED WAR RECORD

Private Arthur Swindlehurst

View Craven Herald Articles

View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

21 January 1916

SWINDLEHURST – January 11th in France, Private Arthur Swindlehurst, Northumberland Fusiliers, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Swindlehurst, 11 Airedale Terrace, Skipton.

21 January 1916

SKIPTON YOUNG MAN KILLED – PRIVATE ARTHUR SWINDLEHURST

Still another Skiptonian has made the supreme sacrifice, the victim on this occasion Private Arthur Swindlehurst, Northumberland Fusiliers, fourth son of Mr. E. and Mrs. Swindlehurst, 11, Airedale Terrace, Skipton.

The sad news came to hand on Monday morning in a letter from Mr. H. B. Flowers, who had served with the deceased soldier in No. 2 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 13th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. The letter states that Pte. Swindlehurst was killed instantly on January 11th, and that he fought like a hero and died like a Briton.

The writer adds, – “He always stuck it, and little did I think when last I saw him that we should not meet again. He was buried this morning (January 12th). England’s debt to her soldiers will never be realised. I deeply feel the loss of Arthur, who was a good comrade. We always shared everything with each other, and I shall not forget him as long as I live. I hope I shall be spared to see you and tell you most of the tale. With deepest sympathy in your great bereavement.”

Pte. Swindlehurst was 25 years of age and served his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker with Messrs. T. A. Procter and Sons, Water Street, Skipton, though at the time of enlistment he was working at Crosshills. He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers in May last and trained at Newcastle and Darlington until October, when he left for the Front. His letters have been of a cheerful character, and the last must have been written shortly before his death. For three or four years Pte. Swindlehurst was a chorister at Christ Church, Skipton, and was well respected by all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Swindlehurst’s oldest son, William, is in the Navy, and at present on active service. He has been connected with this branch of His Majesty’s Forces for 13 years. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.

The following letter has been received from Private Swindlehurst’s Company Commander in France, January 11th, 1916.

“Dear Mrs. Swindlehurst, – It is with the greatest regret that I write to tell you that your son Arthur was killed on the evening of January 11th about 11-30 p.m. We got rather a hot time of it in the trenches that night and there were several casualties.

“Your son’s death was a great shock to me as he had been doing so well, and only a short time ago had become my adjutant. It is more than sad to think of such a promising young man being cut off in the flower of his youth, and I know what a blow it must be to you. I hope, however, you will remember that he died doing his duty manfully, respected by all who knew him, and that this will in some measure console you.

“With my deepest sympathy. I remain, yours sincerely, ALEC T. LAING, 2nd Lieut. Northumberland Fusiliers.”

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View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles

West Yorkshire Pioneer Logo

21 January 1916

ANOTHER SKIPTON SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION – ‘Fought Like a Briton Should’

News was received early this week that Pte Arthur Swindlehurst, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, and son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Swindlehurst of 14 Aireview Terrace, Skipton, had been killed in action at the Front.

On Tuesday morning the following letter was received from a comrade of the unfortunate young man:– “It is almost beyond my power to write this awful news of your dear son, Arthur, who was killed instantly last night, Jan. 11th . . . . He has fallen a hero whilst doing his duty, and fought like a Briton should. Little did I think when I saw him a day or two ago that I was seeing him for the last time. I know there were no better pals than we were. We worked together, slept together, walked out together, and now we have been parted on the battlefield. He was nicely buried this morning (Jan. 12th). England’s debt to her soldiers will never be realised. . . . There is one thing that I would like you to send me, and that is something belonging to Arthur that I could keep in remembrance of him. I shall never forget him as long as I shall live, and I hope that I shall be spared to see you and tell you more about him. It was God’s wish to call your dear son, and my pal, away, and He knows all that is best for us. We never know our last moment out here. With my deepest sympathy for you in this your greatest bereavement. From a broken-hearted pal.”

Pte. Swindlehurst, who was 25 years of age, enlisted in May last, and went to the Front in October. He was formerly employed at Messrs. T.A. Procter and Sons, cabinetmakers, Skipton, and latterly at Kildwick.

Much sympathy is felt for the parents in their great loss.

A further letter dated January 14th has been received from a Second Lieutenant of Private Swindlehurst’s Company, and is as follows:– “It is with the greatest regret that I write to tell you that your son, Arthur, was killed on the evening of January 11th, about 11.30pm. We got rather a hot time of it in the trenches that night, and there were several casualties. Your son’s death was a great shock to me, as he had been doing so well, and only a short time ago had become my servant. It is more than sad to think of such a promising young man being cut off in the flower of his youth, and I know what a blow it must be to you. I hope, however, you will remember that he died doing his duty manfully, respected by all who knew him, and that this will in some measure comfort you. With my deepest sympathy.”

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