A W Wilson (1891 – 1917)

Arthur Wellesley Wilson was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, on 3rd June, 1891. He was the son of Arthur Henry Wilson, an accountant, and his wife, Alice. They lived on Castle Cliff. After leaving school, Arthur worked as a bank clerk.

Arthur served with the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action on the 8th of May, 1917 at which time his division was in the front line taking shell and machine-gun fire after having taken part in the Third Battle of the Scarpe a few days earlier. Arthur is buried in Ste. Catherine British Cemetery.

Private Wilson, 49876, was awarded the Victory and British medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal of 19th May, 1917.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal, 19th May, 1917]
Mr. A. H. Wilson, Castle Cliff, Bridgnorth, has received information of the death of his son, Pte. Arthur Wellesley Wilson, 9th Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in action in France on the 8th inst. An officer writing to Mr. Wilson on the 10th states that his son’s death was instantaneous, he being killed by the explosion of a shell during an assault on the enemy lines. Pte. Wilson was very popular in his platoon, being cheerful on all occasions, and much appreciated by his company commander for his fine qualities in the execution of his military duties. The letter concluded with expression of sincere sympathy in the loss of a very fine fellow.