Category: Military
Rank: Private
Regiment or Ship: Royal West Surrey Regiment later Labour Corps
Service Number(s): 33684, 66497, 39877
Occupation: Hotel Porter
Date of Birth: 1886
Address: 23 Windsor Road, Bexhill
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
As Arthur Watts is a fairly common name it has been impossible to definitely find Arthur’s birth and family. However, we do know that he married Louie Munday on 24th October 1914 in Battle district. We cannot, therefore, say with certainty when he died and no children can be found from his union with Louie.
First World War Experience
Arthur’s service records have survived but do not give us much information of his actual war experience but do give us a lot on information of his physical person and some details of his entry into the Army.
From his attestation form of 9th December 1915 he stated that he was a British Subject, aged 29 years 4 months, married, and a Hotel Porter. He was a member of the Church of England.
On medical examination he was shown to be 5’7” tall, with a chest measurement of 36½” – expansion 2”. He was of fair complexion, weighed 9 stone, and had had an operation for a right rupture. He was passed fit for Garrison duty abroad – though it was reported that both his small toes overrode the others and he had defective teeth.
In 1917 he was twice admitted to hospital with diarrhoea and on 13th April 1918 was given 14 days leave in England – travelling via Boulogne.
He was demobilized in 1919 and it was noted that his character was good.
From the Medal & Award Rolls we learn that he received two medals – the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.