(Edwin) Arthur Thrower

Born: April 1894

Died: 20 May 1917

Rank and Regiment: Private 41986 20th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Resting Place: body unrecovered

Memorials: St. Botolph’s Churchyard, Barford, United Kingdom and; Arras Memorial, France

Arthur was born in Barford in April 1894. His given-name was “Edwin Arthur” therefore he can often be seen being referred to as Edwin on censuses and on Commonwealth War Graves documents. He was one of the many children of Walter Thrower (1860-1896), a basket maker, and Phoebe Thrower (nee Carr). By 1911, Walter had sadly passed away. Phoebe was recorded as a widow of nearly fifteen years with 10 children including Harry (8), Amy (5), Elsie (3), and Mabel (1) who were born long after Walter’s death.

In 1911, Arthur is listed as a baker’s boy. It cannot have been a very prosperous household – Phoebe was not working and her daughters Rose, 24, and Crissie, 14, were working as domestic servants. Her son, George, 22, was a woodman and his brother Albert, 19, was a farm labourer. In addition to nine of her children living with her, Phoebe had two grandchildren Winifred, 3, and Ida, 1.

Virtually none of Arthur’s military records survive; all we can say is that Arthur was in the 20th Battalion the Royal Fusiliers (the City of London Regiment). He served from 19th October 1916 until, at aged 22, he was reported missing in action on 20 May 1917. It was presumed that he was killed. His body was never recovered and he is one of the 34,818 men commemorated on the Arras Memorial. His effects amounting to £3 19s 4d, together with a War Gratuity of £3, were paid out to his mother.

Arras Memorial, France