ARTHUR KIRBY
Arthur Kirby was born 24 April 1898 in Woodchester, the son of Charles Kirby, a labourer at the timber yard, and his wife, Charlotte Beattie nee Herbert. He was baptised on 3 July of the same year at St Mary's Church, Woodchester.
The 1901 census shows the family at Berrymore Cottages and the 1911 at Selsley Road. It may be the same address both times. By 1914, Arthur was working at Henry Workman's Timber Yard.
He enlisted as a private in the 2nd/6th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and at some point went to France.
He was wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of Cambrai on 2 December 1917 and died on 11 December of his wounds, aged 19. He was buried at Le Cateau Military Cemetery.
Medals Victory and British War
His brothers Herbert and William Harry are also known to have served. His cousin Edwin John Clift died of wounds 1 September 1918.
Background
On 2 December 1917, the Germans attacked trenches east of La Vacquerie (by the Hindenburg Line) early in the morning. The 6th Glosters counter attacked but ran out of bombs and were driven back 300 yards. Battalion Head Quarters was captured and the Commanding Officer was hit and believed to be taken prisoner. The next day, the Glosters had partial success in repulsing the enemy but the Germans were able to occupy La Vacquerie. On the 4 December, the remainder of the battalion withdrew as the village was lost and were attached to the 2/4th Glosters.
Casualty estimates for 2 - 5 December were
Killed 20 Officers and 18 Other Ranks
Wounded 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks
Missing 3 Officers and 150 Other Ranks
The 1901 census shows the family at Berrymore Cottages and the 1911 at Selsley Road. It may be the same address both times. By 1914, Arthur was working at Henry Workman's Timber Yard.
He enlisted as a private in the 2nd/6th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and at some point went to France.
He was wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of Cambrai on 2 December 1917 and died on 11 December of his wounds, aged 19. He was buried at Le Cateau Military Cemetery.
Medals Victory and British War
His brothers Herbert and William Harry are also known to have served. His cousin Edwin John Clift died of wounds 1 September 1918.
Background
On 2 December 1917, the Germans attacked trenches east of La Vacquerie (by the Hindenburg Line) early in the morning. The 6th Glosters counter attacked but ran out of bombs and were driven back 300 yards. Battalion Head Quarters was captured and the Commanding Officer was hit and believed to be taken prisoner. The next day, the Glosters had partial success in repulsing the enemy but the Germans were able to occupy La Vacquerie. On the 4 December, the remainder of the battalion withdrew as the village was lost and were attached to the 2/4th Glosters.
Casualty estimates for 2 - 5 December were
Killed 20 Officers and 18 Other Ranks
Wounded 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks
Missing 3 Officers and 150 Other Ranks