Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Arnell a domestic gardener and groom, born 1863 in Terrington, Yorkshire and his wife Blanche Arnell (nee Berry, married in the 1st quarter of 1891 in the Malton, Yorkshire district), born 25th August 1870 in Massingham, Norfolk. Basil was born on the 16th February 1893 in Slaithwaite, Yorkshire and was baptised on the 25th June 1893 in St. John’s Church, Cragg Vale, Yorkshire, his siblings were Arthur, a schoolboy, born 17th August 1891 in Meltham Mills, Yorkshire, Ida, a schoolgirl, born 1896 in Whixley, Yorkshire, Francis, a schoolboy, born 30th September 1896 and Blanche, born 1900, the latter two siblings were both born in Scarcroft, Yorkshire, in March 1901 the family home was at Station Row, Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Basil was employed as a domestic groom and was residing in the family home at Rotherby, Frisby on the Wreake, together with his father, a domestic gardener and groom, his mother and siblings, Arthur, a bricklayer’s labourer, Francis, a farm boy, Charles, born 6th March 1902, Sylvia, born 1905 and Philip, born 6th January 1906, the latter three siblings were all born in Frisby on the Wreake. Basil also had two further siblings, Dennis born 25th August 1911 and Kenneth born 1913, both siblings were born in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district. In 1939 his widowed mother, together with his brother Dennis resided at 35, Fernie Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Basil was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday September 13th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON SOLDIERS KILLED. - (A photograph accompanied the article). Mr. and Mrs. Arnell, 35, Fernie Avenue, Melton Mowbray, and formerly of Frisby-on-the-Wreake, have received a notification that their second son, Gunner Basil Arnell, of the First Tank Corps, has been killed in action. The information was conveyed in the following letter from the officer in command: - “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Arnell, - It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you that your son, Gunner Arnell, was killed in action on August 8th. The crew with which he went into action did wonderful work, and carried on until the tank received a direct hit from a shell. There was no trace of your son, and I fear the worst. Perhaps there is consolation in the fact that he did not suffer a lingering death, which must have been instantaneous. Your son had been a member of my section for some considerable time, and has at all times shown himself to be a most cool and courageous man whilst in action. Out of the lines his quiet and willing ways made him a popular member of the section, and he was well liked by all who came in contact with him. His loss is keenly felt by both men and officers of the section, who wish to join with me in tending their deepest sympathy for you in your bereavement.” Gunner Arnell was 25 years of age, and joined up early in 1915, prior to which he was employed as a groom by Captain Forester. Mr. and Mrs. Arnell have three other sons serving in the army.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Photograph submitted in 2021 by S. Hickingbotham