Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Driver Arthur Pearce of the Royal Field Artillery was born in Byers Green, Durham to David and Elizabeth. His father David was an insurance agent and in 1911 the family, which included six siblings, were living at Flora Street, Spennymoor. Arthur worked as a drapers assistant for the Co-operative Society in Durham before the war.  Arthur married Alice Marshall in 1916.

Arthur passed through Peterborough East Station on 18 July 1916, whilst stationed at Cavalry Barracks, Norwich and wrote in the visitors’ book:

“Had a good meal
served by dainty hands
In a dainty style
Hope to have another
In the happy days to come”

The service record for Arthur Pearce has not yet been traced so his military history is not very detailed.  He attested in Ferryhill, Durham but we do not know when.  His units and movements are unknown up until 29 April 1917, when he was  killed in France, serving with the 242 (South Midland) Battery Royal Field Artillery.  Arthur was buried at La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St Vaast.

His wife Alice did not re-marry and lived in Durham until she died aged 86.

Please get in touch if you can help us find out more about this soldier.