Lance Corporal Arthur John King
| Date of Birth | November 1893 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 22 |
| Date of Death | 3 August 1916 |
| Service Number | 17557 |
| Military Service | 12th Battalion East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Morden Cemetery |
Additional Information
Arthur John King was one of eight children born to parents Henry King and Alice (Nee Higgs). His parents had married in Westminster in the spring of 1885 and by the time Arthur was born in November 1893 they already had five children: Alice, Henry, William, Walter and Frederick. Arthur's father worked as a licensed Victualler and in the census of 1891 prior to his birth his parents were living in a Public House at 3 King Street, London. The family appear to have moved around the London area quite frequently.
Two more children followed after Arthur: Albert in 1896 and Minnie in 1898 when the family were living at 275 Hackney Road, Hackney. By 1901 the family were now living in Hastings and Arthur's father was working as a Cellar man at the Empire Hall and his mother was working as a barmaid. Three o f Arthur's older siblings William, Walter and Frederick were all listed as pupils attending the Licensed Victuallers School in Upper Kennington Lane, Lambeth. I would assume Arthur also attended this school
By 1911 the family had moved back to London and were living at 67 Gilbey Road in Tooting. Arthur now aged 17 was working as a fruit brokers clerk, whilst his younger brother Albert was now listed as a pupil at the Licensed Victuallers School. Arthur's father Henry aged just 53 died on 30th June 1911 and was buried in Morden Cemetery.
Arthur and his younger brother Albert both enlisted with the 12th Battalion East Surrey Regiment. Arthur on the 2nd December 1915 in Wandsworth and Albert the following month on 20th January 1916. Arthur was aged 22 and one month and described as being 5ft 2 ¾ in tall Weight 112 1bs with a chest measurement of 34 inches.
The 12th Battalion trained at Aldershot in February 1916 for final training then on 2nd May proceeded to France. They landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including during 1916 the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the Battle of the Transloy Ridges.
Arthur died on 3rd August 1916 at home after being wounded in action. His death was registered in Kingston and he was buried on 9th August at Morden Cemetery, Garth Road. His name also appears on a Stone Memorial in the Churchyard.
Arthurs brother Albert was also killed in action and died on 13th February 1917. He was buried in Boulogne Cemetery in France.
Their mother Alice was listed as their next of kin living at 31 Oakmeade Road, Balham.