Arthur's Story.
Tattenhall Soldiers Death.
We regret to announce the death of 18104 Private Arthur Dutton of the Cheshire Regiment, son of Mr. Thomas Dutton of Gatesheath, Tattenhall. Private Dutton is the second soldier belonging to the Tattenhall district who has given his life for his country, On the sympathy of all classes goes out to the sorrowing parents. The sad tidings show that he was killed by a German sniper while on patrol duty, the bullet penetrating the lung and he succumbed four hours after receiving that the wound. Private Dutton was 20 years of age and joined the cheshire's about 12 months ago at Chester, proceeding to the front four months ago. He received his education at the Church of England school, Tattenhall, Under Mr. Artbarn, and was well known in the village and neighbourhood. Mr Thomas another (only surviving) son serving at the front. The following letter has been received by Mrs. Dutton from a Lance Corporal who was the deceased soldier, dated October 31, 1915.
“Dear Madam,
Just a few lines to convey my deepest sympathy in regard to your son’s Aurthur’s death, which occurred on the night of the 29 inst. We were out on a working party, and in the course of the work in which we were engaged, myself and Arthur had to go on top of the parapet. I had as his section commander given him instructions to hand some materials on to me, and we had just started when he was struck in the chest with a bullet, which came out of his right side, and during it progress had touched the lung. He died four hours afterwards. He was only in pain for about ten minutes. We have lost several men on this work, which was in a dangerous position. Myself and the section deeply feel the loss of your son, who was well liked by all, and was ever ready to go on duty, however dangerous. He is buried in the cemetery at -------. Again, offering my own and the section’s sympathy. Lance Corporal R. Chadwick.”
It is a pathetic coincidence that on the day their son was killed Mr. and Mrs. Dutton received a letter and postcard from him.
The Cheshire Observer. Saturday, November 13, 1915.
Headstone picture © Cheshire Roll of Honour