Arthur's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Arthur Frost was born in Manchester in late 1886, the son of Elizabeth (nee Clayton) and Joseph Henry Frost, a "carrier's lurryman" or carter. By 1891, Arthur's father had died, and Arthur (4) was living with his widowed mother and siblings James Henry (13) and Rachel (3) at 141 Black Road, Macclesfield, the home of his maternal grandfather.
Arthur married Mary Ann Newton at Christ Church, Macclesfield on 18 March 1911, and the couple set up home with Arthur's widowed mother at 40 Shaw St, Macclesfield. Arthur was employed as a carter and general carrier, and his wife was a silk winder. Arthur and Mary had four children: May, Joseph Henry, Arthur and Doris. The family later lived at 74 Lord Street.
WW1 SERVICE
Arthur enlisted in Macclesfield in November 1916 and was drafted out to France in 1917.
On 10 May 1918, the Macclesfield Times reported that Arthur had died of wounds received in action:
Mrs Frost, 74 Lord St, has this week received news of the death of her husband, Gunner Arthur Frost, RGA, anti-aircraft battery, from wounds sustained in action. Gunner Frost was 30 years of age and enlisted in November, 1916, being drafted out to France about nine months ago. He was wounded on April 26th and died in hospital the following day. A letter from the officer in command of the battery states: "Your husband carried out his work thoroughly, and he was one of the last men I would have lost." Gunner Frost was educated at St Paul's School, and just prior to enlistment was employed as a driver by the Co-operative Society. He worshipped at St George's Church. Much sympathy is felt for his wife and four children in their bereavement.
COMMEMORATION
Gunner Arthur Frost is buried at Ebblinghem Military Cemetery, France, in grave ref. I. D. 5.
In Macclesfield, Gunner Arthur Frost is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael's Church and St George's Church war memorials. The floral tributes laid when the Macclesfield Park Green War Memorial was unveiled on 21st September 1921 included one with the dedication With deepest sympathy to Arthur Frost, from his niece.
NOTES
Another Arthur Frost, who was born in Bollington in 1886, served with the Cheshire Regiment, was killed in 1914 and is commemorated in Hadfield, Derbyshire.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births, Deaths
Census (England & Wales): 1881, 1891, 1911
Family History Society of Cheshire (FHSC): Macclesfield Christ Church CD – Marriage index
WWI British Army Service Records 1914-1920
Soldiers Died in the Great War (Find My Past)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Lives of the First World War website
Macclesfield Times: 10 May 1918, 23 September 1921 (photo supplement)
Macclesfield Courier: 24 September 1921
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.