Arthur Saunders

Arthur was the eldest son of John and Mary Ann Saunders nee Clark. John Saunders was born in Nottingham and Mary Ann Clark in Worcester. They were married in Nottingham in 1894 (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham). According to the 1911 Census when they had been married for 16 years, they had had 7 children of whom only five were still living: Arthur (birth registered 1896 J/F/M), Francis Frederick, k/a Frank (b. 1897), John (b. 1898), Jane Annie (b. 1901) and Herbert (b. 1902). All the children were born in Radford. In 1901 John (28), a cycle hand, and Mary Ann (25) were living at 2 Kensington Square, Old Radford. They had three sons, Arthur (5), Frank (3) and John (2). Also in the household were two boarders, Frank Clark (20, b. Worcester) a newsagent, and Lizzie Lambert (20) a laundress. By 1911 the family was living at 8 Abbey Buildings, Ilkeston Road, Old Radford. John and Mary now had five children; Arthur (15) a cycle hand, Frank (13) a toy maker, John (12), Jane (9) and Herbert (8). Arthur's younger brother Francis Frederick served in the 15th Bn Sherwood Foresters (24400 Private) and was killed in action on 17 July 1916 (Guillemont Road Cemetery, Guillemont). Their brother, John (Jack), probably also served.

He was a cycle hand shop boy in 1911.

Private Arthur Saunders, M.M., served with the 1/7th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Robin Hood Rifles), he was killed in action on 1st July 1916. The 20 year-old is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His M.M. was 'gazetted' on 28th July 1917.He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.