Our People - Arthur Albert Carter

Arthur Albert Carter later in life with his wife and granddaughter
Photograph courtesy of Barbara Clarkson
20858 Private Arthur Albert Carter
11th & 6th Battalions, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
​914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

​If you have a picture or more information about this man, please contact us
Arthur Albert Carter was born 4 May 1894 at Walton-le-Dale to Robert Carter, a cotton weaver born at Brindle c. 1868 and Mary Elizabeth Carter (nee Robinson) born at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire c.1868.
 
Arthur was one of three children born to Robert and Mary.  Harriet Ada was born at Walton-le-Dale c. 1895 and Mabel Florence born Walton-le-Dale c. 1904.  In 1901, the family lived at 5 Taberner Terrace, Houghton Lane, Higher Walton.  By 1911, they had moved to Higher Walton Road, Walton-le-Dale, a little closer to Preston.

Arthur started his working life as a boot maker with his mother running the shop he worked in.  In 1913, his father is listed in Barretts Directory as an overlooker at a local mill and also proprietor of the boot and shoe makers shop at 261 Station Road, Bamber Bridge.  When he signed up for the Army in 1915, this spelled the end for the shop as it could not continue to run without him. 

Arthur enlisted with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 22 May 1915.  He was 21 years of age.  He initially joined with the 11th (Reserve) Battalion, but moved on to the 6th (Service) Battalion at some point later.  He put down his mothers name on his Soldiers Small Book as his next of kin at 241 Station Road, Bamber Bridge.  We know from his demobilization records that he served with "D" Company, 6th Battalion L.N.L. in Mesopotamia.  It is not known at the time of writing whether he joined the battalion in time for the campaign in Gallipoli.  His trade as a shoe maker was called upon while serving, at least from November 1917 to March 1919.  He left the middle-east at the end of December 1918, headed for the dispersal unit at Heaton Park, Manchester.  He was officially demobilized 20 May 1919, transferring to the "Z" reserve the following day.

The family had moved to 25 Carr Street, and Arthur headed here once he had been handed his papers.  The full documentation relating to his demobilization still exists and I was priviliged enough to be invited to his daughter, Barbara Clarkson's home to take copies and also take some photographs of his medals.

The story doesn't end here.  Arthur joined "C" Company of the 9th County of Lancaster Home Guard on 8 January 1942 when he lived at 7 Havelock Terrace, Bamber Bridge.  He was given the rank of Lance Corporal.  His proficiency record shows the tests he undertook, including training with the Sten gun.
Arthur was awarded the full set of medals for his service in the war.  From left to right (and also worn in this order), the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.  These medals are hung in a handsome wooden frame.  Collectively, these are sometimes known as "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred", after a comic strip published in the Daily Mirror written by Bertram J. Lamb and drawn by A.B. Payne in the 1920s.  More information on medals issued during the war can be found at The Great War 1914-1918.
These documents have been made available by Arthur's daughter, Barbara Clarkson. They provide a great snapshot of his service and especially of his demobilization from the forces.  They are best viewed full screen using the controls and flipping through the albums.  I am grateful to Barbara and her husband for inviting me to their home to make these scans.
Soldiers Small-Book.  This was a form of manual given to a soldier on his joining the Army.  The book was a reference point and introduced him to military life.  The book contains 32 pages, and the soldier would fill in his basic details.  It contained rules and advice on;
- Points to be observed when on guard;
​- Points to be observed on outposts;
- Saluting of officers;
- Officers badges of rank;
- Saluting of officers;
- Mode of making applications and complaints by a soldier;
- How to prevent sore feet;
- Cleaning rifle or carbine;
- Field cooking;
- Furloughs;
- Marriage;
- A form of will;
- And the last page ' Free Education of Soldiers' sons.
Demobilization Papers.  All Arthur's demobilization documents remain in good condition in the original envelope.  These are a wonderful source at least for the end of his service with the L.N.L. and you can get a sense of the journey back home from Mesopotamia to Bamber Bridge.
WW2 Home Guard Service Record & Proficiency Record.  A booklet a little like the Soldiers Small Book, but geared more to records relating to a soldiers proficiency in a range of military activities as well as mustering instructions.
​Charles O'Donnell
Please email the project with any amendments or corrections 
Edited 28 November 2016
Sources
1901 Census of England via Ancestry.co.uk / 1911 Census of England via Ancestry.co.uk / Original documentation belonging to Arthur Albert Carter in relation to his military service / Other sources linked to in the text / UK, WWI Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920 via Ancestry.co.uk / British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 via Ancestry.co.uk
Preston & Central Lancashire WFA
© Preston & Central Lancashire Western Front Association 2020
The WFA was formed in 1980 to maintain interest in the First World War (1914-1918). We work to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all, from all sides, on all Fronts: on land, at sea, in the air and on the Home Front. The WFA is non-political and does not seek to glorify war.