The 1911 Census shows Arthur Fryer (13) born Bradford, Occupation Cotton Spinner (Part Time), living with his parents Jonas (36) and Annie (39,) and his siblings Elsie Maude (11) and Lawrence Edward (6) at 39, Chellow Street, Bankfoot, Bradford.

Information from Service Records:

Arthur Fryer, 22, St. Stephen’s Road, 18 years, Painter and Decorator, Attested 7/6/1916 West Riding Regiment Service Home 1/12/1916 – 19/2/1917 France 20/12/1917 – 3/9/1918 Home 4/9/1918 – 24/10/1918 Wounded 23/7/1918 G.S.W. Knee L Leg & R Arm Sev. Fractured Femur Seriously Ill 24/10/1918 Died of Wounds 24/10/18 Died Birmingham Special Military Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham.

Relatives: Father Jonas Fryer; Mother Annie; Brother Lawrence; Sister Elsie Maud. Awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) 2/4th Battalion was a Territorial Force Battalion. Formed at Halifax in September 1914 as a home service (second line) unit. Landed in France in 1917. In 1918 the battalion was serving on the Western Front as part of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division. During July 1918, the 62nd Division was holding and improving defensive positions in the Bethune-La Bassee sector of northern France. It was during this period that Private Arthur Fryer was reported as being wounded (23.7.1918).

Private Arthur Fryer, 29853. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) 2/4th Bn. who died aged 20 on the 24th October 1918, is buried in Bowling Cemetery, Bradford, West Yorkshire (Grave Reference S. 117). C.W.G.C. Records: Additional Information - Son of Jonas and Annie Fryer, of 22, St. Stephen’s Rd., West Bowling, Bradford. Personal Inscription - PEACE PERFECT PEACE.

Arthur Fryer is also remembered on the War Memorial (Panels) in St. Stephen’s Church, West Bowling, Bradford, Yorkshire.

St. Stephen’s Church (West Bowling) “These verses were written by a member of the Church in honour of the Lads from this Parish who have joined the King’s Forces…”

As the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s ‘Eyes On Hands On’ volunteer with responsibility for Bradford (Bowling) Cemetery I was always interested in the ‘stories’ of the WW1 soldiers whose headstones I looked after. Having been born and brought up in the nearby area, many of the names I came across seemed familiar to my childhood and I was interested to know more about who they were. The C.W.G.C. ‘For Evermore’ online archive gives me the opportunity to share my research into their lives. We Will Remember Them

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