William John Arnold

Story:
William John Arnold was born in Farnham, Dorset, on 4 May 1889 the son of Edward J. Arnold and Louisa Arnold.  His early years were spent at Bussey Stool Lodge, Farnham, Dorset, until by 1901 the family had moved to Childe Okeford, Dorset.  William became a Watch, Clock and Jewellery Jobber, and boarded out in Bournemouth, Hampshire.   He married Florence May Palmer at St. Andrews Church, Farnham, Surrey, on 19 Sep 1915.  He had previously joined the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Volunteer Reservist but was mobilized on 29 May 1916 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 88622).   He served in India where he became an Acting Corporal and was finally discharged on 27 Jan 1920 and awarded the British War Medal only.  The 1921 Census shows he was living at Abbotswood, Romsey, Hampshire, still in the watch making and repair occupation. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 3 Broadway, Knaps Hill, Woking, Surrey, described as a General Store Proprietor.  He died in 1961 and was buried at Bognor Regis, West Sussex, on 31 Jul 1961.