Star Arthur Victor Claude Sturgess was born in 1883 Andover, Hampshire.

He spent his childhood in the nearby village of Broughton before moving to London to take on employment as a Footman. He eventually returned to Broughton to become a Gardener.

By 1915, he had joined the Merchant Navy and the crew of the passenger ship "S. S. Arabic", as a Mess Room Steward. He was on board this ship when she was torpedoed by a German submarine on the 19th August, 1915 off the South Coast of Ireland. He died along with 44 passengers and fellow crew.

He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Caroline Sturgess