Story
Arthur Clement Griffin was just 18 when he enlisted with the newly-formed Royal Tank Corps in May 1916 but he wasn't posted to France until two years later, just in time for the Allied offensive that eventually led to the end of the war. It is likely that he was sent over to take part in the Battle of Amiens that began within the month. A fitter and turner by trade and a Wesleyan by faith, Arthur, who lived at Guildford Villa, Broadstone, stood 5ft 6ins tall with 35.5ins chest. He named his next of kin as his mother, Annie, at the same address. Arthur , whose regimental number was 315878, remained in France for nearly a year after the war, finally returning to the UK on 26 October 1919. He was demobbed a month later before receiving the British War Medal and Victory medals in 1922 while living at the same address. Arthur had been born in the Poole registration district on 15 April 1898, the son of Portsmouth-born Elias Sharland Griffin, a builder, and his wife Annie, who hailed from South Petherton in Somerset. At the 1901 census, the couple had six children, four boys and a girl, the oldest, Alfred, 16, was already out at work as a carpenter; Arthur was the youngest. Ten years later, in 1911, the family were living at Guildford Villa in Broadstone. They had had two more daughters; two of the oldest children were no longer living at home. Arthur, by now, was 12. After the war was over Arthur remained in Broadstone and, on 20 August 1932 he married Laura Mary Knight in the village. She was the daughter of Charles, a yeoman, and Hannah Amelia Knight, and had been born, not far away, in Lytchett Matravers. By 1939 Arthur and Laura were living in a house, called Malmody, in Springdale Road, Broadstone. His wife was Laura, a housewife, was three years his junior. Arthur was working an engineer's turner. (Arthur's father, by now a retired builder, and mother were still living at Guildford villa.) At the time of his death, on 11 May 1976 at the age of 78, he was living at 15 Higher Blandford Road. His wife, Laura, survived him by 20 years. * Please contact us if you wish to suggest any amendment or addition.