Arthur's Story.
Birkenhead News 05 December 1914BIRKENHEAD OFFICER KILLED.
Captain Twentyman Dies for His Country.
LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH IN ACTION.
When the news that the Liverpool Scottish had been in action was received a few days ago it was little thought in Birkenhead that amongst the first of the officers to be killed would be Captain Arthur Twentyman, of Park Road South. The announcement of his death was made late on Thursday night in a list of casualties in the Expeditionary Force, reported from the general headquarters on Tuesday.
It was only the other day that a letter was received from Captain Twentyman, in which he described his movements during the last few weeks, and intimating that he was expecting to go with his regiment into the active fighting area almost immediately. He also described how the men were looking forward to that great event, and expressed the belief that when they did get there they would give as good an account of themselves as the London Scottish had done.
Captain Twentyman, who was only 37 years of age, was the second son of the late Mr. George Twentyman, of Bedford Street, Liverpool, and up to the time of his death was associated with the firm of Messrs. F. D. Clarke and Co., cotton brokers, Grosvenor buildings, Tithebarn Street, Liverpool. One of his brothers, the Rev. George Twentyman, will be recognised as the popular vicar of Hoxton, London.
The late captain, who was gazetted in March, 1909, was appointed a lieutenant late in 1910, and promoted to the rank of captain in 1912. He was just as popular with his men as they were proud of him. He was always regarded as a thorough sportsman, and yachtsmen will recollect that as a member of the Mersey Rowing Club he rowed in the Eights at Henley. He was also well-known in golfing circles, particularly in Wirral, being a life member of the Royal Liverpool Club, Hoylake, and also associated with the Leasowe Club.
Captain Twentyman, who was a bachelor, was prominently connected with the Liverpool Cotton Exchange, and was held in the highest esteem by the members, who some time ago appointed him to the Arbitration Committee. He was taken into Mr. Clarke’s partnership in 1904, having been previously in America in the employ of a large firm of cotton brokers.
The news of his death will come as a great shock not only to his many friends in Birkenhead but also to his business associates in Liverpool.