Arthur Charles Kingshott
Arthur Charles Kingshott was a Private with the "A Company", 8th Battalion, the East Surrey Regiment. His service number was L/11544.
Arthur was born 27th December 1899 in Somers Town, London. He was the second son of Arthur Charles Kingshott (b.1872 in Marylebone, London) and Isabella Pope (b.1876 in Camberwell, London).
Arthur's mum did not survive to see her son killed, as she died in 1916. His father married again and began a large second family. From this second family came Arthur's half brother, who he was destined never to meet, future professional footballer Freddie Kingshott.
Arthur didn't have a great childhood. On 19th September 1907 he was "detained" for wandering and was sentenced to go to Manchester Certified Industrial School at Ardwick Green until the age of 16. He joined his brother there, the following day, as he had been sentenced there in May of the same year. This is his admission to the school (click to open a bigger version).
Arthur Kingshott joined the East Surrey Regiment, at Ashton-under-Lyme, on 25th October 1915 at the age of 15 years 10 months. At the time of joining he was only a little lad, at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 122 pounds. He was described as having a fresh complexion, gray eyes and dark brown hair.
Arthur remained in various reserve battallions until being transferred to France on 13th July 1918 where he was posted to No 40 Infrantry Base Depot, British Expeditionary Force, France. By this time he was officially old enough to go to war.
Arthur was killed just over a month later, on 22nd August 1918. He is buried at Ovillers Military Cemetery, on the Somme, France.
Arthur was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His father received those medals in 1922. This is the reciept that he signed.
Arthur was my 7th cousin once removed. He was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory medals.
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