Thiepval Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Arthur Hands was born 1892 in Clackmannan, Alloa near Stirling, Scotland, one of 6 known children, 4 boys and 2 girls, born to John Hands 1844 Monaghan, Ireland and Margaret Swan 1856 born in Inverness, Scotland. John and Margaret were married June 1871 in the district of Durham, in 1881 they were living at Dipton Colliery. At the age of 60, John Hands was still working as a hewer, the family were living at 22 Beamish Street, Stanley, he died in 1904 in the district of Lanchester.
Arthur Hands enlisted in Stanley in 1914 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as Private 22999, attached to the 13th Brigade, 5th Division. It was not until April 14th 1915 that he disembarked in France as part of the Territorial Force. They saw action on the Western Front during the Second Battle of Ypres and the capture of Hill 60. December 28th the battalion transferred to the 97th Brigade, 32nd Division and saw action in 1916 on the Somme at the Battle of Albert 1-13th July, Bazentin Ridge 14th-17th July and the Battle of Ancre. The operation on the Ancre saw the pursuit of the Germans to the Hindenburg Line March 14th-April 5th 1917. Private 22999 Arthur Hands K.O.Y.L.I. was killed in action April 14th 1917, his sacrifice is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in France, pier and face 11C and 12A, one of the 72,246 names of British and South African officers and serviceman who died on the Somme 1915-1918 and have no known grave, He was 26 years old.
I have not found any evidence that Arthur was married, it would have been his mother Margaret who received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother died in the district of Lanchester sometime between October and December 1918.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Arthur Hands is remembered at Craghead on C120.01 and C120.04 and at Stanley St. Joseph S135.03
