Arthur Edward Rose was born in the Suffolk village of Badwell Ash in 1899. Two of his brothers also served and survived. Arthur was killed in August 1918 in the Ancre Somme area. The padre, Rev H B Cole wrote to his mother, Sarah, 2 days later "This letter brings you bad news I fear. Your son Arthur was found this morning lying dead by the side of the road where Wednesday/Thursday's battle was in progress and was brought back for burial by an officer who found him there, hit in both legs and in other ways damaged. I happened to be passing the cemetery at the time and arranged for his funeral; none of his companions could be present, but I hope it may be some consolation to you to know that he received reverent burial and that his grave will be carefully marked and tended. I am sending his papers that were in his pockets in two packets and his belt and handkerchief via a third. His Pay Book will be forwarded to you through the War Office. In his letter he had made a will leaving all he possessed to you. I am writing to your other son, whose address I have on one of his letters , to tell him of his brothers death. Please accept my very real sympathy with you in your bereavement, and believe me Yours truly H Basil Cole 94 S.R R.G.A. B.E.F. My own father was given his name 8 years later when he was born in 1924 Arthur George Thomas Rose. I would like to know more of my Great Uncle, his photo shows a very young man; too young to give his life in such a way.

brian rose