Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Bonsor Hourd, an agricultural labourer and cowman, born 1854 in Hose, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Jane Hourd (nee Morley, married in the 3rd quarter of 1875 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district)), born 1851 in Hickling, Nottinghamshire. In the 4th quarter of 1899 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Arthur’s mother died aged 48. Arthur Edward was born in the 1st quarter of 1893 in Hose, Leics., his siblings were, Lily, born 1883, William, born 1888, Albert, born 1891 and Herbert, born 1896, all his siblings were born in Hose, in March 1901 the family home was at The Vicarage, Hose, Leics. In April 1911 Arthur was absent from the family home at Hose, residing there was his widowed father, a farm labourer and cowman, and his siblings, Herbert, a farm labourer and cowman and Lily, a housekeeper, also residing in the family home were Arthur’s nieces, Dorothy May Paget, born 1905 and Muriel May Paget, born 1907, the latter two nieces were both born in Long Clawson, Leicestershire and Clara Elizabeth Paget, born 1909 in Hose, Arthur was employed as a farm cowman, and was residing at Hose. Arthur also had the following older siblings, John Tom, born 1876, Clara, born 1877, Harry, born 1879, Mary Ann, born 1881, Sam Morley, born 1885, the latter siblings were all born in Hose. Arthur was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24-30 Sep-16 - East of TRONES WOOD. About 7.00pm on the 24th the Battalion marched up to take a position prior to making an attack the next day. Before they reached the position the enemy heavily shelled our men, several casualties resulting. At 12.30pm on the 25th the first attack was launched, the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT being in a position on the right of FLERS. The objective was the first German line, a distance of about 1000 yards from the trench from which the Battalion launched the attack. The attack was made in waves, each platoon forming a wave, and 2 waves going over at a time. The attack was launched with splendid heroism, the first objective was gained in about ¾ of an hour, the men then stopped a short time to consolidate their gain, and to allow the artillery barrage to lift. They then pressed on to their second objective which was the village of GUEDECOURT. By the time they reached the village their ranks were sadly thinner, by the tremendous artillery barrage the enemy put up, and by machine guns which wrought terrible havoc. Never the less with dauntless gallantry they pressed on reaching the village and engaging the enemy in hand to hand fighting, which took place all the night. In the morning the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT relieved the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in the village, and the enemy were finally driven out. The 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were brought back to the second line of trenches, where they were relieved by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the 28th. They then went back to SWISS TRENCH where they remained until relieved on the night of October 1st.
On Friday November 10th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – HOSE. – HOSE SOLDIER WOUNDED. – Private Arthur Hourd, son of Mr. Bonsor Hourd, is reported by the War Office as having been wounded on the 23rd September. His friends have no knowledge as to his present location, and therefore are most anxious for further news of him.
On Friday December 1st 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS.” – The following casualties amongst local men are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldier’s name is the home of his next-of-kin. Monday’s list included:- WOUNDED AND MISSING. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Hourd, 26896 A. E. (Melton Mowbray).
On Friday August 24th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – HOSE. LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED.- Much sympathy and regret will be felt with Mr J. B. Hourd and family in the loss of his son, Pte. Arthur Hourd, of the Leicester’s. Pte. Hourd was reported missing on the 25th September 1916, having then been about eight weeks in France. But the sad official news has now been received by his father stating that he was killed on that date. A memorial service was held at St. Michael’s Church on Sunday, when there was a large congregation, which included Mr J. B. Hourd and many relatives of the deceased soldier. Special hymns were sung and the Rev. J. Williams made touching reference to him in his sermon, saying how much he would be missed from the congregation. Miss Williams played the “Dead March,” and the bell ringers rang a muffled peal in honour of this brave soldier who had given his life for King and country.