56055 Rifleman Arthur Webley
B Company 1st Battalion
3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade
7th December 1917
Born on 19/05/1892 in Petone, New Zealand.
His parents were David Webley(1852-11/09/1922) and Mary Beale(23/05/1862-24/09/1942). They were married in 1884.
Arthur had 2 brothers, Harold(1884-18/04/1965) and Stanley(05/08/1888-20/01/1973).
Before enlisting at Wellington Town Hall on 30/03/1917, Arthur worked as a farmer in Reikorangi, Waikanae.
Details of his medical, that was performed on the same day as his enlistment are as follows;
Apparent Age - 26 years 10 Months, Height 5 ft 91/4 inches, Weight 180lbs
Chest Measurement – Minimum – 38 inches Maximum – 41 inches
Complexion – Fair, Colour of Eyes – Grey, Colour of Hair – Brown, Religious Profession - Wesleyan.
Arthur was posted to G Company 28th Reinforcements on 30/05/1917 and promoted to Lance Corporal on 25/07/1917.
Once his initial training was complete, Arthur embarked on troopship 90 "Ulimaroa" in Wellington on 26/07/1917, bound for England.
Just under 2 months later, he disembarked in Plymouth and marched into Sling Camp , Wiltshire the same day.
Arthur left Sling Camp, moving to Brocton Camp, where he reverted back to the ranks on 27/09/1917.
It was from Brocton Camp on 23/10/1917, that he left for France, marching into Etaples Camp 3 days later.
Arthur joined 1st Battalion in the field on 02/11/1917.
He was killed in action just over a month later on 07/12/1917 ,and buried on the battlefield.
He would be later re-buried in Polygon Wood Cemetery on 09/07/1919.
He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
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