Corporal Arthur Smalley

Arthur Smalley was 18 years 6 months when he enlisted Leicestershire Regiment (Special Reserve) at Market Harborough on 3rd October 1908, service number 8734. He was a brass rule maker by occupation, and the son of John & Mary Smalley of Paget Street, Kibworth Beauchamp. Despite being under height, he was only 5’ 3” tall, Arthur obviously enjoyed Army life as on 9th June 1909 he upgraded his service to 12 years with the Regular Army (7 years with the Colours, and 5 years in the Reserve). He attended a Special training course from his date of enlistment until 2nd March 1909.

Smalley had Home Service from 9th June 1909 to 6th December 1910, during which time he served 28 days detention for “Misconduct”. Four days of the detention was remitted. He was then posted for Indian Service (Madras) from 7th December 1910 to 11th October 1914, firstly being promoted to unpaid Lance Corporal on 16th May 1911, then to paid Lance Corporal on 17th January 1912, and finally to paid Corporal in 1913. Following the outbreak of WWI he was transferred to the British Expeditionary Force on 12th October 1914 until his death on 25th January 1915.

The following items were returned to his family: 2 letters, packet of post cards, identity disc, and belt.

He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals, and is buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue, Pas de Calais, France.