Arnold Shephard

Arnold Shephard was born in 1897 in Radford and was the son of Charles Henry, a manufacturer of wearing apparel, and Mary Shephard née Horne of 18 Claypole Road, Nottingham. His father Charles Henry was born in 1860 in Lenton and his mother Mary Horne was born in 1862 in Lenton. They were married in 1883 in Nottingham and went on to have 7 children, sadly three were to die in infancy or early childhood prior to 1911. Their children listed on the 1901/1911 census were were:- Lois Rebecca b1884 Nottm, Florence b1889 Nottm, Claude 1892 Nottm, Sidney b1894 Radford and Arnold b1897 Radford. In the 1911 census the family are living at 18 Claypole Road, Nottingham and are shown as Charles 51 yrs a manufacturer of wearing apparel. He is living with his wife Mary 49 yrs who is assisting in her husband's business and their children, Sidney 17 yrs a bank clerk and Arnold 14 yrs a draper's assistant. Also at the address is Millicent Jarvis 22 yrs from Ilkeston, a domestic servant. Arnold was engaged to Maggie at the time of his death. His brothers Sidney and Claud also served in the war; Sidney was in France and Claud served with the Canadians.

5 Derby Grove, Nottingham.

Private Arnold Shephard enlisted on 24th June 1916; he gave his age as 19 yrs and 192 days, his address was 5 Derby Grove, Nottingham, his next of kin was his mother Mary of the same address, his occupation was that of a manager driver. He was posted to the 5th Mobile Repair Unit, Army Service Corps. He embarked for France on 14th November 1916 at Southampton and arrived the following day at Rouen via Le Harve. He was attached to 13th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 10th August 1917 and killed in action on 3rd September 1917. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial.

Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18 September 1917: ‘Shephard. Killed in action, September 3rd, Driver Arnold Shephard MT ASC (while attached to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, training for commission), aged 20, the beloved son of Mary and the late Chas Shephard. It is hard to say, ‘Thy will be done.’ From his broken-hearted mother, brothers Sidney (in France), and Claud, RFC (Canada).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18 September 1917: ‘Shephard. Killed in action, September 3rd, Driver Arnold Shephard, MT ASC. A noble life laid down. From his loving sister Louie, brother-in-law Jack, and fiancee Maggie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) In memoriam published 3rd September 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SHEPHARD. – In loving memory of my dearly loved youngest son, Pte. Arnold Shephard, aged, 20 killed in action September 3rd, 1917. What would I give, dear, to clasp your hand and bid you welcome home? – Loving mother [Mary]. “SHEPHARD. – In loving memory of our dear brother, Arnold Shephard. One year has passed away, dear brother, but your face will never fade, for we love you still so dearly, though you're in silent grave. – Louie, Claude, Sidney, brother-in-law Jack.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918