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Simpson, Arthur James

Arthur Simpson was born in Chester, Cheshire, England in November 1893.

The 1911 Census shows that the family lived at 26 St. James Street, Chester, Cheshire.  The head of the family was James Simpson aged 41, who was employed as a Boiler Stoker in Chester’s Turkish Baths.  His wife Jessie Simpson aged 39 and their two children – Arthur Simpson aged 17, a Porter and Norman Simpson aged 14, who was employed as an Errand Boy.

At some time the family moved to live in Rhyl, Flintshire, North Wales where Arthur enlisted with 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

On Monday 19 July 1915, he sailed from Devonport with the Battalion, via Alexandria to Gallipoili, arriving at Sulva Bay on Sunday 8 August 1915. Shortly after he was severely wounded and transferred to the Hospital Ship ‘Karaparva’ where he died of his wounds on 11 September 1915.  He was buried at sea and is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

HellesMemorial

Helles Memorial.

On 20 December 1915, a payment of £4. 9s. 5d was made by the War Office to Mrs Jessie Simpson, being monies owed to her son Arthur.  On 9 August 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £3. 0s. 0d. was also made to her.

Arthur is also remembered on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.


Learn more about the other soldiers on the Rhyl Memorial

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