Born in 1877 at Sheffield, son of Robert (Quarry Owner and later M.D. of a Steam Laundry) and Frances Arnison. 1891: With his family at 3 Highnam Crescent Road, Nether Halam, Sheffield, he later took work as a Commercial Traveler. 1911: The Census shows he had become a Silversmiths Manager, and was visiting George Harwin at Winchmore Hill. For many years he lived with his brother Rowland Arnison and sister in law, from 1913 at “Fan Foel” Oakdale Gardens Woodford Green. He was employed by Woodward & Co the manufacturing goldsmiths and silversmiths as the Manager of their London business.
Initially a member of the London Volunteer Rifles and Royal Naval Reserve (Royal Naval Division), he manned heavy anti aircraft guns defending London from air attack. After service in France from 27 June 1916 he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the RGA from 1st July 1917. There followed a temporary attachment to the RFC before posting to a Siege Battery of the RGA.
He had been in action almost constantly since the German Spring offensive in March 1918, until the allies began to advance once more. He was severely wounded by a shell splinter early on Sunday 18th August 1918, and died shortly afterwards without regaining consciousness. This was just prior to the Battle of Albert/Second Battle of Bapaume on 21st August 1918, which were actions during the Battle of the Somme, and part of the 100 Days Offensive.
He is remembered on the Sheffield Masonic Lodges Roll of Honour, Sheffield Masonic Lodge, Tapton Hal, Shore Lane, Sheffield. His brother Rowland was an Officer in 5 Volunteer Battalion of the Essex Regiment, who’s 2 Company was based at Churchfields School. An impressed picture of the original Essex Volunteer Regiment cap badge which was presented to Rowland is now preserved in the Redbridge Heritage Library at Ilford.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources: Ancestry.com
Woodford Times