Arthur Frederick Coombs

Story:
Arthur Frederick Coombs was born in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, on 8 Aug 1884 and baptised at Chilmark, Wiltshire, on 21 Sep 1894 the son of Frederick James Coombs and Anna Coombs (nee Hayward).  He spent his early years in The Green, East Knoyle, where his father died in 1886 and his mother remained in the area as a Midwife and Parish Nurse.  Is is thought Arthur had joined the Army and was serving in Ireland where he married Florence Mary Cowie during 1907.  By 1911 he was employed in Burnham, Buckinghamshire, as a Domestic Valet.  He was recalled to the Colours and joined The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) as a Private (Service No. 146).  He had served with the 1st Battalion in France and Flanders from 23 Aug 1914.  His name was listed on 1 Mar 1915 as being a Prisoner of War in Germany.  On his release and eventual discharge he was awarded the Victory and British Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star with clasp and roses.  Both the 1921 Census and 1939 Register show he was living at 11 Syers Road, East Liss, Petersfield, Hampshire, working as a Carpenter.  His death was recorded in Petersfield during 1968. Arthur had at least six children one of whom, Cyril Ernest Coombs, served in WW2 and was killed whilst flying with RAF Bomber Command in 1943 aged 23 years.