Arthur Victor METCALFE

08 September 1915

Skipton Footballer’s War Experiences

Lance-Corporal Albert Metcalfe, who was before the war broke out a player with the Skipton Football Club, and is now serving with the 8th Battalion (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment. He was wounded on August 9th in the great landing at Suvla Bay (Dardanelles), being brought down by a bullet in the right leg. He was taken to hospital in Port Said, but has now gone back to the base. A short time before receiving his wound he had a very narrow escape, a bullet going through his helmet. His younger brother is also serving in France with the Royal Field Artillery, and received a nasty injury last week on the arm and hand with shrapnel. He writes to say he is improving, and hopes soon to be right again. Before the war both young men lived at 36, Pembroke Street, Skipton. The younger brother, Bomb. A. V. Metcalfe, was a member of the Skipton Congregational choir, and was employed as a clerk at Walton’s Mill.

26 October 1917

METCALFE – Died of wounds in France, Oct. 13th, Corpl. Arthur Victor Metcalfe, of the Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr. Robert Wm. Metcalfe, of Barrow-in-Furness (late of Skipton), aged 20.

26 October 1917

TWO SKIPTON SOLDIERS DIE FROM WOUNDS

Information has been received that Corporal Arthur Victor Metcalfe, of The Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr. Robert William Metcalfe, of Barrow-in-Furness, and formerly of Skipton, died from wounds in hospital in France on October 13th. In a letter to his sister, Miss Alice Metcalfe, who at present resides in Skipton, Major R. West writes:– “I very much regret to have to tell you that Corporal A. V Metcalfe was very seriously wounded on the 9th inst., and when we got him to the ambulance he was in a very critical state. I asked the doctors opinion as to his condition, and he says there is a very small chance of his recovery, so we must make the best of it and see how he gets along. I will keep you informed of him when I hear from the hospital. I do hope he may be able to pull through.”

Later Major West writes:– “I very much regret to tell you that Corporal Metcalfe has died from his wounds, on the 13th… I am most upset to think that such a fine young man should have to end his life so soon. His work with me has always been excellent, and I had the pleasure a short time ago of sending his name in for reward, which I hope will still be granted, as it was well earned. Please accept my very deepest sympathy in your loss.” Corporal Metcalfe, who was 20 years of age, enlisted in December, 1914, and had been out in France since June, 1915. He was formerly employed in the office of Mr. S.H. Walton, manufacturer, Alexandra Shed, Skipton. He was also closely connected with the Congregational Church and Sunday School, being a member of the young men’s class, and a member of the chapel choir. Another brother, Corporal Albert Metcalfe, is at present a prisoner of war in Germany.

26 October 1917

SKIPTON

THE LATE MRS. GUNNELL

The service at the Congregational Church on Sunday morning last was especially in memory of the late Mrs. Gunnell, the hymns chosen being those which had been favourites of the deceased. In the course of a few words of appreciation, Rev. L.H. Gaunt referred to the true Christian character of Mrs. Gunnell, who had served the church so faithfully throughout her life. Though she was one of the busiest women in the town she had never been too busy to spare strength and sympathy for any good work, and there were many who in times of trouble had been comforted by her kindly help. She had indeed combined in a very wonderful way the characters of Martha and Mary in the Gospel narrative. For although her life had been so rich in active service, it had been no less fruitful in the graces of the spiritual life. Her influence would long be felt and her memory long cherished in the church and Sunday-school, and they would never cease to thank God for all. that their dear friend had been to them. Reference was also made both at the morning and evening services to the loss which the church had sustained through the death of two of its young men on active service. Corpl. Arthur Metcalfe and Pte. Percy Elliott, both of whom had died of wounds during the preceding week. They had both been members of the young men’s class, whilst Corpl. Metcalfe was also a member of the church choir. In both cases these men had enjoyed the affection and esteem of all who knew them, and it was a great sorrow to himself and many others to think that they would not come back again. On behalf of the church and Sunday school he offered deepest sympathy to the bereaved friends.

09 November 1917

SKIPTON CORPORAL’S GALLANTRY

The gallantry of Corporal Arthur V. Metcalfe, of Skipton, who gave his life in working the guns of his battery has not passed unrecognised, for his relatives have been informed that the Military Medal has been awarded as a tribute to his bravery. Capt. Jas. H.M. Neill, of the R.F A., in making the intimation, recounts the circumstances for which the distinction has been made, and he says that on a day when the enemy made a strong counter-attack, Corporal Metcalfe displayed great coolness and courage in manning his gun practically single-handed and he continued to fire until hit by a large splinter from a shell which rendered him unconscious up to death. The battalion, he said, had lost a very fine N.C.O., who was extremely popular with both officers and men. The late soldier was only 20 years old, and he had served in France over two years