The Aberdare Leader (Aberdare, Wales) 5 May 1917, p7

"Aberdare Parents Lose Two Sons.
Mr and Mrs J Arrowsmith, Bond Villa, Aberdare, have received news of the death in action of their 20 year old son, Sapper Walter Arrowsmith, who was attached to the Royal Engineers.  He had been in France two years, and had been through many engagements.  He fell on April 6th.  The parents had lost another son, Private H. Arrowsmith, of the Welsh Guards.  He was reported wounded and missing on Sept. 25th, 1915, and is presumed to be dead.  Prior to enlisting he was a fireman on the G.W.R.  A comrade of Walter, Sapper L. Isaac, has written to the parents, saying how their son met his death.  Walter was going to work when the enemy started shelling.  A piece of shell caught Walter, killing him instantaneously.  He suffered no pain.  The writer adds:- 'We have buried him in a pretty cemetery about 5 miles behind the line.  He had a very nice burial.  We came from the Battalion (8th South Lancs.) together and had been pals ever since.  We were transferred to the Royal Engineers together. Walter was a good soldier, always willing to do his share and more.  He was always happy and cheerful.  I hope these few words will help you to bear your trouble."

(retrieved 13 April 2015, by J. Hayward (jemma9580@talk21.com)

Jemma Hayward