Arthur Burnell
Date of birth: 1882
Date of death: 20.07.1918
Area: Ferrybridge, Knottingley
Regiment: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Family information: Son of Abel and Sarah Jane Burnell nee Boldison
Rank: Lieutenant
War Service
Arthur Burnell joined the 5th Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as a Lieutenant. He died, aged 36, on 20th July 1918 and was buried in Chambrecy British Cemetery, Marne, France Plot 11 row B grave 5.
Pontefract Advertiser 23rd October 1915
“Another local gentleman to be similarly honoured by the Commission of His Majesty is Mr Arthur Burnell of Ferrybridge, manager for Messrs Poulson Brothers, who has received a commission in the 3rd 5th King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Unfortunately Lieutenant Burnell will not be able to take up his duties for some time, having on Sunday last met with an accident which will confine him to his bed for at least three weeks. He was starting from home on his bicycle to attend church service at Church Fenton, when, as he emerged from his gateway, a dog ran across his path and upset him from his bicycle. He was thrown and fell heavily on his right shoulder, which was badly dislocated. Dr Ward was soon in attendance, but finding himself unable, by himself, to reduce the fracture, conveyed his patient to the Pontefract Dispensary Accident Ward, where Dr Poole helped in the necessary operation, the patient being placed under for the purpose. Subsequently Lieut. Burnell was removed to his home, where he is now making good progress, though naturally he is “chaffing” considerably at the ill-luck which has debarred him from taking up immediately, as he had hoped, his military duties. He will carry with him the good wishes of all who know him.”
Pontefract and Castleford Express 2nd August 1918 Roll of Honour
“He is recorded on a memorial stone in Wesleyan Burial Ground, Knottingley, together with his father Abel and mother Sarah Jane.
Sorrow vanquished labour ended. Jordan passed. From father, mother and family.
Killed in France on 20 July 1918, Lieut. Burnell, late of Ferrybridge, aged 36 years.”
Family Life
Arthur Burnell was bon in Knottingley in 1882, the son of Abel and Sarah Jane Burnell nee Boldison. They married in the third quarter of 1873 and their marriage was registered at Leeds. In the 1911 census Arthur is shown as being a Pottery Manager living at West Riding Villas, Ferrybridge with his father and siblings. He was employed at Poulson’s Pottery.
Chambrecy British Cemetery
