Arthur Smith (Upper End Farm)
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Title |
Arthur Smith
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| Name |
Dave Kitchen
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| Gender |
Male
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| Date of Birth |
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| Currently Residing |
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| Subject |
Dave Kitchen has been in touch with me
(airbhistory@aol.com) to tell me about his Grandad who is shown in this
photograph, Arthur is on the far left leaning on the gate post.
We knew that his Grandad Arthur Smith had been a tenant at
Upper End Farm and that he was killed in the
first World War (see Upper End Farm on this Web-Site) but knew little else about
him.
Now, Dave has been able to colour in
the sketchy picture we had of Arthur Smith.
"Arthur Smith was farm bailiff at Upper end Farm in the
years before and after commencement of The First World War.
He was married to Hetta Hogg whose grandfather was Richard
Hogg of Rawdon, he was the main builder of Yeadon Town Hall.
Arthur was known for his temper and impulsiveness
.
In his job he was required to accompany
the farm owner to the market in Otley, the farmer would spend the day in the pub
haggling and doing deals.
On one occasion
he left Arthur outside with the horse and cart in the heavy rain.
After a long wait Arthur got angry and
walked off in a temper and as a consequence he lost his job, together with the
home that came with it.
He found it hard
to get employment in the area at other farms so volunteered for the army despite
being in a reserved occupation.His duties entailed operating a machine gun
emplacement which made him a priority target.
He was killed on the 30th November 1917 at Cambrai Nord in
France, he was about 36 years old.
A Mr
Metcalfe spoke to Arthur's wife Hetta after the war, he said that he had been
standing close to her husband when he was hit directly by a shell and of course
killed instantly.
Hetta told her family
that shortly before he died Arthur mentioned with regret his short temper and
promised to change his ways when he got back to Guiseley.
His name is inscribed on the lynch gate at St Oswald's
Church."
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| Written |
2013
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