Arthur Pacey

Arthur Pacey was born in about 1877 in Elston, and was the 6th child born to William and Sarah. Arthur’s dad was William Pacey born in 1837 at East Stoke, William was baptised at St Oswald’s on 9th March 1837, his mum was Sarah Pacey (nee Hoe), Sarah was born in Elston and baptised on 12th Feb 1843 at All Saints, Elston. William and Sarah married at All Saints, Elston on 19 Oct 1863. In the census of 1881 Arthur is 3 years old (census taken in April and his birthday not until later in the year) and his father is described as a General Labourer. His eldest brother Richard now 13 is described as working on a farm. In the census of 1891 Arthur is 13 years old and his dad is described as agricultural labourer and also a cripple. Arthurs sister Emma (aged 15 years) is also described as a cripple. Unfortunately we are unable to find Arthur Pacey in the 1901 census and that probably means that he is overseas. It is most likely he is serving in the armed forces and most likely sent to the campaign in South Africa by the army

At the age of 23 years in 1900 Arthur enlisted into the army and went on to serve during the Boer War during his time serving in the war he received The South African medal which included five bars. At the outbreak of the first world war Arthur was mobilised, two weeks later he fell ill with a fever. After being sent to the front he was wounded in the thigh at Hill 60. He was wounded on a number of occasions , however his final fatal wound was caused by an explosion on 12th September 1916. he is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, Somme, France. 4.C.23

Arthur shares his final resting place with Alexander Mole of the 18th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers who also died of his wounds at Heilly Station. Information courtesy of Richard Hallam