Arthur Walter France
Date of birth: 1900
Date of death: 13/02/1941
Area: Ferrybridge Knottingley
Regiment: Pioneer Corps
Family information: Husband of Mary Lilian France nee Draper
Rank: Private
Service number: 13002481
War Service
Arthur Walter France served with the Pioneer Corps and died on 13th February 1941 age 39. He was buried in Ferrybridge Cemetery on 17th February 1941 - grave 399.
He was killed at Montrose when a German plane dropped a land or parachute mine, which washed ashore and exploded. These mines were the largest air dropped ordinance in use by the Luftwaffe at that time. He died of multiple injuries in the Royal Infirmary. In same incident George King died and he was buried at Knottingley Cemetery.
Stone: Labor Omnia Vincit / 13002481 Private / A W France / Pioneer Corps / 13th February 1941 age 39
Pontefract & Castleford Express 21 February 1941 p5
“OLD SOLDIER’S DEATH
The death has occurred at his home, 47 Pinders Garth, Ferrybridge, at the age of 42, of Mr Arthur Walter France, who served with the KOYLI in the last war, and was gassed and wounded. After this war he served three years overseas. In November 1939, he volunteered for the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, and was invalided home from France a year ago. He lived for most of his life in Ferrybridge but took no part in public affairs. He leaves six sons and two daughters. The funeral took place at Ferrybridge on Tuesday, and a service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. C Hinscliff.) The chief mourners were :- The widow; Mrs K, F, G, W and R France (sons); Miss M France (daughter); Mr G T France of Manchester, and Mr D France (brothers); Mrs France; and Mrs L France (stepmother).”
[Note: the report does not show it but he died from injuries in the explosion of an enemy mine which had been washed up in Scotland - this shows in the report for George King of Knottingley who was killed in same incident.]
Family Life
Arthur Walter France was born in 1900 at Bradley, Staffordshire, the son of Thomas France, a labourer at the Tar Works and Ann Maria nee Dawson, who married in the third quarter of 1894 and their marriage was registered at Pontefract.
In the second quarter of 1921 Arthur Walter France married Mary Lilian Draper and their marriage was registered at Pontefract.
Ferrybridge Cemetary
