No.4967, Lance Corporal, Arthur William CHALLIS
Aged 24
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Arthur William Challis was born in Castle Camps (Linton Q4-1892 3B:477), baptised in Castle Camps on 4th June 1893, son of Frank and Mahala CHALLIS (née MYNOTT). 1901 census...Aged 8, he was at 17 Clements Lane,Haverhill with his father Frank CHALLIS [43] labourer born Haverhill; his mother Mahala [42]; sisters Lily [17], Nellie [13] and Dorothy [3]; brothers Walter [11] and Frank [10]. All except his father were born in Castle Camps. 1911 census...Aged 18, a marine and store dealer helper was at Calford Green, Kedington with his parents; brothers Walter James and Frank (both marine and store dealer helpers); sister Dorothy Annie. His parents were later at 5 SnapesYard, Haverhill. So far the connection with Shudy Camps is not known. |
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He enlisted in Linton.
The war diary:- 9/4/17 - Attacked at 5:30 am, everywhere successful Our barrage opened at zero ie 5:30 am and by that time all the waves were in or near the front trench ready to go over. The enemy barrage did not descend for 3 minutes and the whole battalion got away without, I think, one casualty. All the lines detailed to us were taken in excellent style, the whole affair being carried off like a parade. Messages, wounded and prisoners started to come in at about 6:15 am and from these we learnt that at any rate the third German trench had been taken. At 6:23 am the FOQ reported the Black Line, 6th trench to be captured. HQ then moved to the report centre in the tunnel and there found a message from Capt. Roberts stating that the 4th line had been captured and later that the Black Line.6th German trench had been taken. At 8 am HQ consisting of the Colonel, Capt.Amos and Lieut Ward moved up to O.g.3.4. and found that the 3rd wave was consolidating in shell holes in front of Black Line and that all the attacking Battalions had slightly lost direction and had drifted to the right, this was adjusted. Enemy machine guns were firing from the Blue lIne as well as enemy snipers, and the West Kents were pressing over the captured ground to taker the Blue Line. It was at this time that Sgt Cator with a Lewis gun, worked his way up to HENGEST TRENCH (Blue Line) over the open under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, then along the Blue Line - a strong and carefully prepared line of defence, killing many of the enemy that he met until he reached one of the machine guns which was threatening to hold up the continuation of the attack by the R W Kents. This gun team he put out of action and was instrumental in sending back many prisoners. Sgt Cator also dealt with the snipers who were firing at everybody moving about in and in front of the captured line. By afternoon all the objectives in the Blueline had been captured by the Buffs and R W Kents and the battle had passed further on. The Brown Line with the exception of FEUCHY CHAPEL redoubt was captured by the evening and the Redoubt fell early on the next day (10th inst). Our casualties during the attack were Capt Potter, 2/Lt Mason, 2/Lt McEvoy killed,Lieut Beadle, 2/Lt Symes wounded, 2/Lt Adam missing 36 OR killed, 136 OR wounded, 4 OR missing. We lost heavily in NCOs, the strength of the battalion 674 OR in the attack. CWGC records show 46 killed, 25 of them with no known grave
Yellow cross- where Arthur was found photo: Rodney Gibson photo:Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
