Arthur James Biddiscombe

Story:
Arthur James Biddiscombe was born in 1877 in Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, and baptised there on 26th August, 1877. He was the son of Henry Biddiscombe, a Builder, and Emma Foot Biddiscombe (née Smart). At the time of the 1911 Census his parents were living in Salisbury Road, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire. Arthur had by this time enlisted in Cardiff and joined the 2nd Battalion of the Welch Regiment (Service No. 8116) and the 1911 Census shows him based at Pembroke Dock Barracks, Pembroke, Wales. At the time of his death held the rank of Lance Corporal. He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals and clasp. He died on 6th November 1914 and his name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres (Panel 37). He is remembered on the War Memorial at Ludwell. Arthur's brother Ernest John (b.1879) also served in the war, with the Royal Engineers. Their father died in 1915 and their mother in 1922.