Brenda MacMahon has submitted the following:-
This soldier is difficult to research as the spelling of his name varies from Clemitson, Cleminson to Clemenson depending upon which record you look at. There are also large gaps in his history so an incomplete record is listed here to be updated at another time.
Arthur was born to his parents, Robert and Mary on 1 May 1899 and his birth was registered at Gateshead with the surname Clemitson. The couple had three children together all of whom survived.
In 1901 the family were living at 16 Park Road Heworth. His mother, Mary, had been previously married (Mrs Leightell) as step children as well as her children to Robert are all listed. They were James Leightell (labourer in a quarry), Jane, George (who was working on his own account as a labourer/cartman.) The three children to her husband Robert were Tom, Mary and the youngest, Arthur. Their father from Ireland was working as coal miner (stoneman).
By 1911 and now listed as Clemenson the stepchildren had moved on so that only Tom (miner/putter), Mary (dressmaker) and scholar, Arthur were still at home at Cream Cottage, Sheriff Hill. Granddaughter, Bella Wood, was staying there on the night of the census.
Arthur Clemenson enlisted at Newcastle 7 May 1917 only a few days after his 18th birthday. He joined 51 (Grad) Training Reserve Battalion as service number 18538. By 1 October 1917 Arthur was at Brocton Camp, Staffordshire.
His records show him to be 5foot inches tall, 125 lbs, of good physical development and having a scar above his left elbow.
On 31 March 1918 Arthur was posted to Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry then on to Folkestone for his trip to Boulogne and the B.E.F. in France.
He appears to have gone missing in the field about 26 April 1918 but no further reports of him rejoining his unit are known at this time. However he seems to have survived until 10 October 1918 when he is reported to be in Saxon Field Hospital Hautmont suffering from catarrh. He died there aged 19 years.
His father was entitled to his payments due, which amounted to £22.3s.8d (including £8 war gratuity).
Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Arthur Clemenson is remembered at Gateshead Fell on G39.064 at Gateshead on G39.004 and at Heworth on H92.08