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| RiD No.: | 1753 |
| Birth | Q4 1891 | Wandsworth Registration District |
| Physical Description | 7 January 1911 (age 19) | 5ft 6 1/2 ins tall with sallow complextion and Brown eyes and hair. He had scars on his left forearm and cheek. |
| This detail has been extracted from Filmer's army records when he enlisted. | ||
| Occupation | 1933 (age 41-42) | Builders Labourer |
| Occupation noted on son Reginald's birth certificate | ||
| Death | Q1 1950 (age 58) | Chelsea Registration District |
| Died 23rd March 1950 in St Stephen's Hospitial | ||
| Spouse | Hilda Maud HAGER (1895- ) | |
| Children | Filmer J ARNOLD (1920- ) | |
| Alec ARNOLD (1931-2009) | ||
| Reginald Sydney ARNOLD (1933-2005) | ||
| Marriage | Q3 1919 (age 27) | Wandsworth Registration District |
Filmer's War Service.
Filmer joined the army on the 7th January 1911 serving in the 63rd (Royal Navel) Division and was discharged on the 6th January 1923 having served 7 years 285 days in the regiment and 4 years 80 days in the Army Reserve.
From his certificate of discharge we know he rose through the ranks as follows:-
From the 5th January 1911 to 6th December 1914 he was a Driver RFA (Royal Field Artillery?). Between 7th December 1914 and to the 7th February 1918 he was a Lance Bombardier RFA. Between the 8th February 1918 and the 18th January 1919 he was a Full Bombardier and from the 19th January 1919 to the 16th February 1919 (and presumably for the remainder of his army service, he was an acting Corporal. In 1917 he undertook 2 courses, one on Tunnelling and the other on Gas (presumably poison gas? )
On signing Filmer's discharge 'CHARACTER CERTIFICATE', his CO wrote " General character exemplary. Honest, solid(?), industrious and steady. Relaiable and trustworthy. Acustomed to the care of horses, can ride and drive" . On his 'CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT DURING THE WAR,' His CO wrote "I herby certify that No.63893 Corporal F Arnold has served in my Battery(?) for the past 5 months. I have always found him a good NCO, hardworking honest and sober"
His 'CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE' shows he was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal as well and the more standard 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal 1919. The DCM was reported in the London Gazette newspaper on the 9th July 1917 which states that it was awarded for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has frequently performed fine work under heavy fire and at all time set a fine example"
The following information has been passed to me by the family of Reginald Arnold's (RiD1751) daughter.
"Filmer John (Fil) ARNOLD appeared in the 1901 census at 8 Ceylon Street, Battersea. In August 1919 he was a Coal Porter in Wandsworth. He died on the 23rd March1950 in St Stephens Hospital, Chelsea. He was born in Dec quarter 1891 in Battersea, Wandsworth, London. He lived at 33 Ram Square Wandsworth SW18 at the time of his marriage. Filmer and Hilder were married on the 23 Aug 1919 in St Faiths Church, Wandsworth"
[Note - This information has not been checked, but is assumed to be correct because of the source. When confirmed, the details will be added in the appropriate location above]