Edwin Arthur Meaden

Story:
Edwin Arthur Meaden was born in 1899 in Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset. He was the son of Albert Meaden, a farmer, and Martha Meaden (née Rose). He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from 1909 to 1913. His address in the 1911 Census was 97 St. James, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  After leaving school he became a farmer.  He enlisted in Dorchester as a Private in the 15th (Service) Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment (Service No. 28759) and served in France & Flanders. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died on 3rd Oct 1918, having been badly wounded the previous day. He was buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (grave id. IV.E.1). He is remembered on the St. James' War Memorial, on the Roll of Honour in St. James' Church, Shaftesbury. His name also appears on the Shaftesbury Grammar School memorial in Shaftesbury School.

A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which Arthur served and the date and term in which he left school. His name was also included on a hand written list of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving during the war. An asterix can be seen next to Arthur's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

His brothers, Bertie Meaden,  Frederick John Meaden and Walter Frank Meaden also served in the conflict and survived. All their names appear on a Roll of Honour published in St. James' Church Parish Magazine in November 1918.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1919
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915