Arthur Palfreyman, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Second Lieutenant, 16th (Service) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously Lance Corporal, 13313). Died of wounds, age 23, on 9 October 1918 at the Western Front.

The Battalion was formed at Llandudno in November 1914 by the Welsh National Executive Committee from recruits surplus to 13th Battalion. In November 1914 it was attached to 128th Brigade, 43rd Division at Llandudno. On 28 April 1915 the formation became the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Battalion moved to Winchester in August 1915 and landed in France in December 1915.He arrived in France on 19 July 1915 as a Lance Corporal with the 9th Battalion RWF. After being commissioned in May 1918 he was attached to the 16th Battalion, RWF on 30 September 1918. On 8 to 9 October the Battalion took part in the Battle of Cambrai. With the Brigade they attacked and took Villers-Outreaux, a heavily wired and defended enemy position. The fighting was severe and confused, much of it taking place at night. Eventually the wire was breached and the battalions gained victory, passing through into civilian occupied areas. The 16th Battalion suffered 158 casualties, including Second Lieutenant Palfreyman. Wounded the previous day, he may have died at the 53rd Field Ambulance or 18th Casualty Clearing Station, which was located close to the Five Points Cemetery, Lechelle. Born at Drakelow, Cheshire in 1895, the eldest son of Mr Richard Palfreyman of Leigh Cottage, Norley, Cheshire. In 1901 he lived with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth (nee Carson), together with his younger brother and sister at Brownatteys Farm, Rudheath, Northwich, Cheshire. His father was employed as a Groom to Stallions and came from Hollim Clough, Derbyshire. His mother originated from Cranage, Cheshire. In 1911 he lived with his parents and 7 siblings at Bottom Kennel House, Sandiways, Nr. Northwich. At this time he was employed as a gardener. It is not clear what his connection was to Holyhead, although the Roll of Honour listing in "Holyhead and the Great War" records his address as Penrhos. This suggests that he may have been working on the Penrhos Estate.Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in the Five Points Cemetery, Lechelle, France. Grave location A.25. He is also commemorated on the Cuddington War Memorial, a stone tablet believed to be located at Cuddington Methodist Chapel. He is also remembered on a family grave at St John the Evangelist Church, Norley, Cheshire.

With thanks to the Cheshire County Memorial Project and Norley Wild Flower Memorial Walk for permission to use the photograph of Lieutenant Palfreyman and additional information.