No.20810, Private, Arthur EAGLE
Aged 27
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Arthur Eagle was born in Wickhambrook (Risbridge Q2-1889 4A:662), baptised in Wickhambrook on 15th September 1889, son of George and Phoebe
Ann EAGLE (née CANT).
1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Aldersfield Green, Wickhambrook with his father George EAGLE [32] farm labourer; his mother Phoebe [31]; brother Herbert [10] (born before the marriage);sisters Jessie [6], Alice [5] and Laura [3]. All were born in Wickhambrook. 1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Ashfield Green, Wickhambrook with his parents (father now a horse keeper); brother Herbert (farm labourer); sisters Jessie [16], Alice [15], Eva [9], Honor [4] and Ethel [2]. The new siblings were all born in Wickhambrook. His mother died in 1910. 1911 census...Aged 22, a farm labourer, he was at Ashfield Green with his widower father, brother Herbert and sisters Honor and Ethel. All 8 siblings survived. |
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He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds less than a year before his death. From his regimental number he appears to have enlisted the same day as Harry Cook The 1st East Surrey on 24th September 1916 (they lost 7 killed that day) were readying themselves for an attack NE of Ginchy on the 25th. A very comprehensive war diary report on operations on 24th/25th September 1916 can be found here Arthur was killed along side Harry Cook, see here The Bury Free Press of 25th November 1916 reported:- WICKHAMBROOK SOLDIERS MISSING Mr. George Eagle, of Wickhambrook recieved a notification from the War Office on Friday that his son,Prvt Arthur Eagle was reported missing from the 24th September last. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cook, of the Duddery, Wickhambrook have also received a similar message, stating that their son, Prvt Harry Cook was reported missing from September 24th last. Both were serving in the same regiment in France Mr.Alfred Wright, of Wickhambrook has received a letter from the War Office stating that his brother Prvt Henry Wright, had been wounded in action and was in hospital. The Bury Free Press of 24th February 1917, still nothing definite :- WICKHAMBROOK MEN MISSING We are reproducing herewith the photos of two stalwart Wickhambrook men, who we regret to say, have been missing for some considerable time. Both were attached to the 11th Platoon of the 3rd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. They are Prvt Arthur Eagles and Prvt Harry Cook........No news of either has been heard since Sept.24th last Sadly the first two men are now amongst the missing named on the memorial at Thiepval, but Henry Wight appears to have survived. The Bury Free Press of 18th August 1917 reported:- WICKHAMBROOK SOLDIER'S DEATH Mr. Geo.Eagle has received the following sad intelligence from the headquarters of the East Surrey Regiment:- "Sir - It is my painful duty to inform you that no further news having been received relative to 20810 Prvt Arthur Eagle,k EastSurrey Regiment, who has been missing since 24-9-16, the Army Council have regretfully constrained to conclude that he is dead, and that his death took place on or since 24-9-16....". ....Prvt A.Eagle was in the employ of Mr. James Ashman from the time of leaving school till he joined the Army.
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
