CWGC Headstone

Medal Index Card

Newcastle Journal Thursday 08/06/1916

Newcastle Journal Thursday 28/12/1916

Arthur Eric Townsend was the younger second son born on the 3rd November 1895, of Francis Edward Townsend, 'Killora,' Normanby, Eston, Yorkshire, M.D., [born 4th November 1863, died on the 4th October 1932 aged 68], and his wife Annette Theresa, [they were married on the 25th February 1892], daughter of the late Francis Thomas Stevenson, Town Clerk to Darlington, and brother to Lieutenant Francis Edward Steavenson Townsend. There was a third boy born on the 3rd February 1897, Hugh William Addison Townsend, but he died on the 3rd February 1902. There was also a daughter Margaret Annette Townsend, who was born in Normanby in October 1911. Died 1995.

In 1901, the family were residing at 9, [some sources say 8] High Street, Normanby, with 3 servants and a sister-in-law.

Arthur Eric Townsend was educated at Haileybury School, [1910 to 1911 Colvin], and was subsequently employed at the Cargo Fleet Iron Works.

He enlisted in the East Riding Yeomanry in August 1914. He then obtained a commission in the 1/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on the 11th February 1915. However, Arthur was invalided out, due to repeated attacks of acute rheumatism, in May 1915.

He returned as a Sub-Manager to the Cargo Fleet Iron Works, in the Coke Ovens and By-products Plant.

He then re-applied for and received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant on the 8th June 1916. He then entered the Flying Corps on the 3rd July 1916. On the 28th November 1916, Arthur became a Flying Officer, 2nd Lieutenant, and is seconded for duty with the R.F.C.

On the 3rd of January 1917, he is at Tadcaster with 46RS. Temporary duty with the Expeditionary Force. Arthur served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the 17th January 1917, and was killed in action on the 15th February 1917.

On the 15th February, whilst with 34 Squadron he had an accident in a A72 RE8 which side slipped and nose dived near the aerodrome whilst on Artillery patrol.

He was unmarried.

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

His will dated the 29th March 1917, left effects worth £82 8s 10d to Francis Raymond Steavenson Solicitor.

Arthur Eric Townsend is remembered at Stockton in S138.35 page 2, at Gosforth on G9.31, and at Normanby , also remembered at Christ Church Eston Cleveland (Grid ref NZ 550190).

Townsend Family History research
Normanby War Memorial for both Brothers
Royal Flying Corps History
RAF Casualty Card for A E Townsend
The CWGC entry for 2nd Lieutenant Townsend