WW1 Memorial Death Plaque - Harold Arter 1st/5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Full size original plaque or Dead Man's Penny, named to Harold Arter. Wide H in "He" variety with the "W" for Woolwich Arsenal on the reverse. In very good condition.

There is only one 'H. Arter' on the CWGC site as a casualty (all the others have more than one initial or forename). The CWGC site states that this is T/242995 Sergeant H Arter 1st/5th Battalion East Kent Regiment who died on the 24th February 1917 and is remembered in the Amara War Cemetery in Iraq.

The MIC card confirms the single forename of the above as 'Harold' KIA 24th February 1917 as a Sergeant but notes his unit as the 1st/4th East Kent Regiment, although the service number 242995 is confirmed. Entered the Asiatic Theatre (5c) on the 5th August 1915.

The civic memorial at Sturry, Canterbury, Kent and the online research now completed for the soldiers listed upon it confirms that Harold Arter was the son of Alfred Arter and Agnew Arter (nee Grant) of Sandpit Cottage, Grove, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent. the War memorial plaque in the parish church of St Mary's Stodmarsh notes him as being in the 4th Battalion East Kent Regiment (but also note his early change in numbers from 1613 to 6224, which suggests a change in Battalion). His brother, Archibald Robert Arter, a pre-war regular, was KIA with the 4th Battalion KRRC on the 25th May 1915. The census records that Harold was aged 7 in 1901 and there is a potential reference to him in 1911 local paper as being employed as a waiter in a local hotel.

The War diary for the 1st/5th confirms the Battalion was heavily engaged in an assault on the 24th February 1917 and lost 12 Other Ranks Killed, and Lt Howell and 34 Other Ranks wounded. Presumably Harold was killed during this assault, which resulted in the Ottoman defenders abandoning Kut that night, resulting in its immediate occupation by Indian and British troops.

Copy of online research, MIC and CWGC certificates for Harold and his brother Archibald to be provided.

The final photo shows the men of the 5th Buffs in 1917 marching in Mesopotamia (now Iraq). It is part of the IWM collection (acknowledged with thanks) and the colourisation project (also acknowledged with thanks). This image is not for sale with this lot but can be found on the internet.

On account of the weight, will only post this item to a UK address.

H3.1

Sold to BS

Code: 63313