Arthur Barnard

A Lance Corporal, Arthur died on 18 November 1916 at the age of 22. 

Arthur was born at Burgh near Aylsham, a son of George Henry and Ann Mary Barnard. In 1901 his family lived at 20 Cawston Road, Aylsham. In the 1911 Census Arthur is described at George’s step-son and is recorded with the surname Palmer (it is difficult to explain this as Arthur’s mother, who was the widow of John Palmer, married George Henry Barnard in 1893). The 1911 census shows Arthur’s family living at Bowthorpe, Norwich, and Arthur worked as a farm labourer. Later Arthur’s parents lived at the New Pitman Arms, Oulton, near Aylsham. 

At some point Arthur went to live in Lound.

Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. Arthur arrived in France on 28 July 1915 with the 7th Battalion. 

On 16 November 1916 the 7th Battalion moved from Ovillers Huts to trenches between ‘Sixteen Street’ and ‘Stump Road’. On 17 November they received orders that on the morning of 18 November they were to attack and capture a portion of ‘Desire Trench’. The attack began at 6.10 a.m. The attack was heavily opposed and ultimately unsuccessful. Arthur was killed during this attack.

Arthur is named on the war memorial at Lound Church.

Arthur’s brother, Albert, also died in the First World War: he served with the 1/4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment and was killed at the Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917.