Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Felstead an agricultural labourer, born 1835 in Hoby, Leics. Arthur, a bricklayer was born in 1879 in Hoby, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Hoby, Leics. In April 1911 Arthur was residing in the family home at Hoby, Leics., together with his father and mother, Susannah Greaves Felstead (nee Hunt), born 1836 in South Croxton, Leics. On Friday June 8th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. On Friday June 8th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HOBY” – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED.- Mr J. Felstead of Hoby, received an official notification on Saturday morning that his youngest son, Pte. Arthur Felstead, of the South Staffordshire Regt., was killed in action on May 14th. The news of his death had been previously conveyed to his sister, Mrs H. Sellars, of Ab Kettleby in a letter from the chaplain of the regiment, who stated that the body had not been recovered, but they were hoping to have it brought in for burial. Deceased who was 37 years of age, was single. For a short period he was employed at the Holwell Iron Company’s furnaces, and afterwards went to work for the late Colonel Cantrell Hubbersty at Ragdale Hall. On April 12th last year he went up with his group, and proceeded to France about the second week in July. Much sympathy will be expressed for the bereaved relatives. On Friday June 8th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette also published the following article under the heading. “AB KETTLEBY” – MILITARY.- Last week was a bad one for the relatives of our brave local lads at the front. News came to hand from the War Office that Pte. James Felstead, of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster’s, was missing. He is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Thos. Felstead, of this village, who have brought up a large family with the greatest of credit to themselves. We trust they may soon have more re-assuring news. News was also received of the death of Sergt. A. Dilkes, of the Leicestershire Regt., who has been killed in action. He was the brother of Mrs W. Goodacre of this village. She has had one other brother killed, and one wounded, while three other brothers are also in the forces – a record of which any sister may well be proud. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Goodacre in her double bereavement. We also regret to learn that Pte. Arthur Felstead, of the South Stafford’s, and brother of Mrs H. Sellars, of Kettleby, has been killed in action, and the family have sincere sympathy of many friends and relatives in this village. On Friday June 8th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette also published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – DEATHS.- FELSTEAD.- Killed in action in France, May 14th 1917, Pte. Arthur Felstead, South Staffs., youngest son of Mr J. Felstead, Hoby, aged 37. Faithful until death. The War Diary for the 12th to the 14th May 1917 records. BULLECOURT. The Battalion attacked the village of BULLECOURT. The following officer casualties occurred:- Killed in action, Lt. A. J. BELL, 2nd Lt. A. T. PENKETH. Wounded, Lt. (Acting Captain) H. A. CUNDALL, Lt. E. THOMPSTONE, 2nd Lt. G. H. H. BOX, 2nd Lt. T. S. HEWETSON, 2nd Lt. E. G. TEASDALE, 2nd Lt. G. W. BROWN. Casualties in other ranks were:- Killed 21. Wounded 61. Missing 26.
APPENDIX “B” OPERATIONS AGAINST BULLECOURT – MAY 12th - 15th 1917
1. The Battalion was drawn up on the tape in accordance with the attached operational orders by 3.00am on the 12th May. The enemy kept up a steady bombardment during the forming up and caused some casualties.
2. The advance commenced at 3.40am. The enemy immediately opened a very heavy barrage on the south east of the village and numerous machine guns and snipers opened fire from the RED PATCH. As a result the attack on the left of the main road suffered heavy casualties, made but little progress and became very disorganised. On the right of the road the attack obtained a certain amount of cover and in spite of considerable casualties pushed on steadily through the village, in some places even passing the final objective and by 7.00am positions were firmly established on the north and north west of the village and touch was gained with the 2nd QUEENS ROYAL WEST SURREY REGT on the right. The position at this point is shown on map “A” attached.
3. By this time I was convinced that the RED PATCH was very strongly held and would require a fresh attack in strength to reduce it. I therefore asked for reinforcements and in the meantime collected 2 officers and 50 men from my reserve Company. With these I decided to launch an attack along both sides of the road with the object of strengthening my position near the CRUCIFIX and if possible cutting off the retreat of the RED PATCH garrison by joining hands with the 62nd Division who were reported to have made progress near the CRUCIFIX. This attack was launched at 2.00am but was met with very heavy machine gun fire from the RED PATCH. One officer was killed and as half of the party became casualties the remaining officer dug in under heavy fire in the centre of the village.
4. At 12.00 noon three Companies of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT were placed under my orders for the purpose of attacking the RED PATCH. By this time the enemy’s barrage and machine gun fire had become so fierce that it was impossible to deploy troops for an attack. I therefore put these Companies under such cover as was available and decided to attack again under cover of night.
5. At 6.00pm the Brigadier held a conference at Battalion HQ. As a consequence I was allotted one Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to strengthen my position and it was decided that the further operations against the RED PATCH were to be undertaken under Brigade arrangements.
6. During the night of the 12th/13th May I used this Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to form three posts (marked blue on the map).
7. During the night of the 12th/13th May my forward posts near the CRUCIFIX were the object of several heavy bombing attacks by the enemy. These were successfully driven off by the garrison splendidly led by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF.
8. During the 13th May very heavy enemy barrages were kept up on the neighbourhood of Battalion HQ making communications very difficult.
9. At 7.00pm on the 13th May I was ordered by Brigade HQ to carry out an attack against the enemy strong point at 27.b.8.2. with one Company of the 21st MANCHESTER REGT who were placed at my disposal for this purpose. The Company although greatly fatigued by a long march made a most gallant attack but the enemy put down a very heavy barrage and the strong point offered a very determined resistance, meeting the attack with showers of bombs. The attack was driven back to the starting point. During the night of the 13th/14th an attempt was made to relieve the Battalion by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY. The latter however were held up by a heavy barrage and arrived so late that it was impossible to carry out the relief on this night, and it was consequently postponed.
10. During the 14th May the enemy again shelled very heavily particularly the south east corner of the village. Otherwise the day passed quietly.
11. The Battalion was relieved by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY on the night of the 14th/15th May under considerable shell fire. The relief was successfully completed by 3.00am on the 15th May with comparatively few casualties.
12. As a result of these operations.
(a) The whole of the village except the RED PATCH was cleared.
(b) Very heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy by the posts at the north and north west of the village. These posts were commanded by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF and 2nd Lt. R. H. LIVINGSTONE, and Company Sergeant Major A. FLOWERS and in spite of inferiority in numbers and position, maintained a most aggressive attitude towards the enemy. Lewis guns, Bombers and Snipers were used continuously with excellent effect, the lines at several points only being from 60 to 40 yards apart, the enemy snipers took a somewhat heavy toll of our men in these posts, but on the whole we maintained an undoubted superiority.
(c) Our casualties 10th – 15th May were:-
Officers, killed 2. Wounded 7.
Other ranks, killed 37. Wounded 107. Missing 27.

13/5/17

BULLECOURT. Operations continued. Casualties 2nd Lt. R. H. LIVINGSTONE wounded. Other ranks. Killed 9. Wounded 16. Missing 3.
APPENDIX “B” OPERATIONS AGAINST BULLECOURT – MAY 12th - 15th 1917
13. The Battalion was drawn up on the tape in accordance with the attached operational orders by 3.00am on the 12th May. The enemy kept up a steady bombardment during the forming up and caused some casualties.
14. The advance commenced at 3.40am. The enemy immediately opened a very heavy barrage on the south east of the village and numerous machine guns and snipers opened fire from the RED PATCH. As a result the attack on the left of the main road suffered heavy casualties, made but little progress and became very disorganised. On the right of the road the attack obtained a certain amount of cover and in spite of considerable casualties pushed on steadily through the village, in some places even passing the final objective and by 7.00am positions were firmly established on the north and north west of the village and touch was gained with the 2nd QUEENS ROYAL WEST SURREY REGT on the right. The position at this point is shown on map “A” attached.
15. By this time I was convinced that the RED PATCH was very strongly held and would require a fresh attack in strength to reduce it. I therefore asked for reinforcements and in the meantime collected 2 officers and 50 men from my reserve Company. With these I decided to launch an attack along both sides of the road with the object of strengthening my position near the CRUCIFIX and if possible cutting off the retreat of the RED PATCH garrison by joining hands with the 62nd Division who were reported to have made progress near the CRUCIFIX. This attack was launched at 2.00am but was met with very heavy machine gun fire from the RED PATCH. One officer was killed and as half of the party became casualties the remaining officer dug in under heavy fire in the centre of the village.
16. At 12.00 noon three Companies of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT were placed under my orders for the purpose of attacking the RED PATCH. By this time the enemy’s barrage and machine gun fire had become so fierce that it was impossible to deploy troops for an attack. I therefore put these Companies under such cover as was available and decided to attack again under cover of night.
17. At 6.00pm the Brigadier held a conference at Battalion HQ. As a consequence I was allotted one Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to strengthen my position and it was decided that the further operations against the RED PATCH were to be undertaken under Brigade arrangements.
18. During the night of the 12th/13th May I used this Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to form three posts (marked blue on the map).
19. During the night of the 12th/13th May my forward posts near the CRUCIFIX were the object of several heavy bombing attacks by the enemy. These were successfully driven off by the garrison splendidly led by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF.
20. During the 13th May very heavy enemy barrages were kept up on the neighbourhood of Battalion HQ making communications very difficult.
21. At 7.00pm on the 13th May I was ordered by Brigade HQ to carry out an attack against the enemy strong point at 27.b.8.2. with one Company of the 21st MANCHESTER REGT who were placed at my disposal for this purpose. The Company although greatly fatigued by a long march made a most gallant attack but the enemy put down a very heavy barrage and the strong point offered a very determined resistance, meeting the attack with showers of bombs. The attack was driven back to the starting point. During the night of the 13th/14th an attempt was made to relieve the Battalion by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY. The latter however were held up by a heavy barrage and arrived so late that it was impossible to carry out the relief on this night, and it was consequently postponed.
22. During the 14th May the enemy again shelled very heavily particularly the south east corner of the village. Otherwise the day passed quietly.
23. The Battalion was relieved by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY on the night of the 14th/15th May under considerable shell fire. The relief was successfully completed by 3.00am on the 15th May with comparatively few casualties.
24. As a result of these operations.
(a) The whole of the village except the RED PATCH was cleared.
(b) Very heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy by the posts at the north and north west of the village. These posts were commanded by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF and 2nd Lt. R. H. LIVINGSTONE, and Company Sergeant Major A. FLOWERS and in spite of inferiority in numbers and position, maintained a most aggressive attitude towards the enemy. Lewis guns, Bombers and Snipers were used continuously with excellent effect, the lines at several points only being from 60 to 40 yards apart, the enemy snipers took a somewhat heavy toll of our men in these posts, but on the whole we maintained an undoubted superiority.
(c) Our casualties 10th – 15th May were:-
Officers, killed 2. Wounded 7.
Other ranks, killed 37. Wounded 107. Missing 27.

14/5/17

BULLECOURT. The Battalion was relieved by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY on the night of the 14th/15th May under considerable shell fire. The relief was successfully completed by 3.00am on the 15th May. Casualties:- other ranks, killed 6. Wounded 15.
APPENDIX “B” OPERATIONS AGAINST BULLECOURT – MAY 12th - 15th 1917
25. The Battalion was drawn up on the tape in accordance with the attached operational orders by 3.00am on the 12th May. The enemy kept up a steady bombardment during the forming up and caused some casualties.
26. The advance commenced at 3.40am. The enemy immediately opened a very heavy barrage on the south east of the village and numerous machine guns and snipers opened fire from the RED PATCH. As a result the attack on the left of the main road suffered heavy casualties, made but little progress and became very disorganised. On the right of the road the attack obtained a certain amount of cover and in spite of considerable casualties pushed on steadily through the village, in some places even passing the final objective and by 7.00am positions were firmly established on the north and north west of the village and touch was gained with the 2nd QUEENS ROYAL WEST SURREY REGT on the right. The position at this point is shown on map “A” attached.
27. By this time I was convinced that the RED PATCH was very strongly held and would require a fresh attack in strength to reduce it. I therefore asked for reinforcements and in the meantime collected 2 officers and 50 men from my reserve Company. With these I decided to launch an attack along both sides of the road with the object of strengthening my position near the CRUCIFIX and if possible cutting off the retreat of the RED PATCH garrison by joining hands with the 62nd Division who were reported to have made progress near the CRUCIFIX. This attack was launched at 2.00am but was met with very heavy machine gun fire from the RED PATCH. One officer was killed and as half of the party became casualties the remaining officer dug in under heavy fire in the centre of the village.
28. At 12.00 noon three Companies of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT were placed under my orders for the purpose of attacking the RED PATCH. By this time the enemy’s barrage and machine gun fire had become so fierce that it was impossible to deploy troops for an attack. I therefore put these Companies under such cover as was available and decided to attack again under cover of night.
29. At 6.00pm the Brigadier held a conference at Battalion HQ. As a consequence I was allotted one Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to strengthen my position and it was decided that the further operations against the RED PATCH were to be undertaken under Brigade arrangements.
30. During the night of the 12th/13th May I used this Company of the 22nd MANCHESTER REGT to form three posts (marked blue on the map).
31. During the night of the 12th/13th May my forward posts near the CRUCIFIX were the object of several heavy bombing attacks by the enemy. These were successfully driven off by the garrison splendidly led by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF.
32. During the 13th May very heavy enemy barrages were kept up on the neighbourhood of Battalion HQ making communications very difficult.
33. At 7.00pm on the 13th May I was ordered by Brigade HQ to carry out an attack against the enemy strong point at 27.b.8.2. with one Company of the 21st MANCHESTER REGT who were placed at my disposal for this purpose. The Company although greatly fatigued by a long march made a most gallant attack but the enemy put down a very heavy barrage and the strong point offered a very determined resistance, meeting the attack with showers of bombs. The attack was driven back to the starting point. During the night of the 13th/14th an attempt was made to relieve the Battalion by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY. The latter however were held up by a heavy barrage and arrived so late that it was impossible to carry out the relief on this night, and it was consequently postponed.
34. During the 14th May the enemy again shelled very heavily particularly the south east corner of the village. Otherwise the day passed quietly.
35. The Battalion was relieved by the HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY on the night of the 14th/15th May under considerable shell fire. The relief was successfully completed by 3.00am on the 15th May with comparatively few casualties.
36. As a result of these operations.
(a) The whole of the village except the RED PATCH was cleared.
(b) Very heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy by the posts at the north and north west of the village. These posts were commanded by 2nd Lt. T. N. WOOF and 2nd Lt. R. H. LIVINGSTONE, and Company Sergeant Major A. FLOWERS and in spite of inferiority in numbers and position, maintained a most aggressive attitude towards the enemy. Lewis guns, Bombers and Snipers were used continuously with excellent effect, the lines at several points only being from 60 to 40 yards apart, the enemy snipers took a somewhat heavy toll of our men in these posts, but on the whole we maintained an undoubted superiority.
(c) Our casualties 10th – 15th May were:-
Officers, killed 2. Wounded 7.
Other ranks, killed 37. Wounded 107. Missing 27.