Born in 1891 at Woodford Bridge, son of George (Bricklayers Labourer) and Sarah Wix. In 1891 he is living with his family at 6 Clarks Cottages, Woodford Bridge. 1901: A Scholar with his family “Near The Rest” at Woodford Bridge. His father is shown as a Grain Carman. In 1911 he is living with his parents at 1 Holton Cottages, High Road, Woodford Bridge as a Carman.
He enlisted at Warley in 1915, his home then being 1 Holtons Cottages, Woodford Bridge, and his occupation a Horse Keeper on a farm. He was called to serve from 8th February 1916, arriving in France after training on 24th May 1916.
On 6th June 1916 he joined 1 Essex, and after treatment for minor medical matters at the end of 1916, he was posted to 11 Essex on 13th December 1916. On 28th December 1916 he sustained shell wounds in his right shoulder, right knee, and left eye and was treated in the UK. When he returned to France, he rejoined 1 Essex on 6th June 1917. Just over two months later on 16th August 1917 he suffered a gunshot wound in his right arm. Treated in England once again, on return to the front in March 1918 he was allocated to 4 South Staffordshire Regiment. On 26th April 1918 he was a casualty once more, this time with a gunshot wound to the lower jaw. On return to duty he was posted to the Middlesex Regiment on 25th August 1918, but on 28th August 1918 attached to 19 London Regiment which was part of 14 Brigade.
The Second Battle of Bapaume took place from 31th August 1918 to 3rd September 1918. The Brigade advanced under cover of a creeping barrage at 05.30 and secured its objectives. The further advance planned for 5th September was repulsed by the Germans. A further assault was authorised for later that day at 19.00 which was successful. On 6th September further advances were made.
It is not clear exactly what sort of wounds Arthur Wix sustained on or after 28th August 1918, but they claimed his life on 6th September 1918.
Memorial: Roll of Honour: St Paul’s Church. Woodford Bridge Village.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com