Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Fox, born in the January quarter of 1855 in Theddingworth, Leicestershire and baptised on the 9th April 1855 in All Saint’s Church, Theddingworth (son of Joseph Fox, 1819 and Esther Newcombe, 1821-1891) and Susanna Fox (nee Taylor, married in the October quarter of 1877 in the Uppingham, Rutland district), born on the 18th November 1853 in South Luffenham, Rutland and baptised on the 25th December 1853 in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, South Luffenham (daughter of Samuel Taylor, 1824 and Elizabeth Chamberlin (Chamblin), 1825). Arthur was born in the April quarter of 1891 in Theddingworth.
Arthur’s father died aged 31 years in the July quarter of 1884 in the Market Harborough district.
In April 1891 Arthur was residing in the family home at Theddingworth, together with his widowed mother, a laundress and his siblings, Esther, a schoolgirl, born on the 26th March 1883 and baptised on the 17th May 1883 in Christ Church, Smeeton Westerby and Rose Ellen, a schoolgirl, born on the 9th March 1884, both siblings were born in Smeeton Westerby, Leicestershire.
In March 1901 Arthur was residing in the family home at St. Marys Road, Great Bowden, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, together with his widowed mother, a laundress and his siblings, Esther, a hosiery trade worker and Rose, a hosiery trade worker.
In April 1911 Arthur was employed as a hosiery trade stocking worker and was residing in the family home at 117, Logan Street, Great Bowden, together with his widowed mother and siblings, Esther, a hosiery trade stocking worker and Rose, a hosiery trade stocking worker.
FAMILY NOTES: Arthur also had the following siblings, Mary Elizabeth, born on the 9th November 1879 in Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire and baptised on the 9th September 1881 in Christ Church, Smeeton Westerby and Thomas Taylor, born on the 6th March 1881 in Smeeton Westerby and baptised on the 9th September 1881 in Christ Church, Smeeton Westerby, and who died aged 16 months in July 1882 in Market Harborough and was interred on the 9th July in Smeeton Westerby Churchyard.
Arthur enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 25th October 1915 in Market Harborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 21997. He gave his age as 24 years 237 days. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as rubber hand. He gave his present address as 117, Logan Street, Market Harborough
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in [illegible] on the 21st October 1915 and recorded his birthplace as Theddingworth, Leicestershire, declared age as 24 years 237 days, trade or occupation as rubber hand, that he was 5-feet 7 inches in height, weighed 140 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 30 and 34 inches, his physical development was described as good, his vision was described as R.E.-V=[illegible] L.E.-V=[illegible]. Enlisted at [illegible] on the 25th October 1915. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 21997.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 24 years 237 days, height 5-feet 7 inches and chest measurement of between 30½ and 34½ inches. The following distinctive marks were noted, none.
He gave his next of kin as his mother, Susan Fox, 117, Logan Street, Market Harborough.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Market Harborough. 25/10/15.
Posted. To 10th (2nd Reserve) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Details. Pte. 25/10/15.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 14/5/16.
He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
On Thursday May 17th, 1917, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 4, under the heading. – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – News has reached Market Harborough that Private Arthur Fox, of the Leicester’s, has died from wounds in Mesopotamia. The deceased was a well-known footballer, and played outside left for Harborough Town for several seasons. Private Edwin Barber, of East-street, and Private L. Chambers, of Logan-street, are also officially reported killed and Second-Lieutenant Wm. Harris, son of Mr. A. T. Harris, the manager of the Market Harborough Gasworks, is officially reported wounded and missing.
On the 3rd December 1917, Arthur’s widowed mother Mrs. Susannah Fox of 117, Logan Street, Market Harborough, was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of three shillings, commensurate on the 13th November 1917 until the 24th December 1917, after which on the 25th December 1917 it was increased to eight shillings for life. His mother later relocated to 25, Symington Street, St. James’ End, Northampton.
[recognitum I-IV-MMXXIV]