The Soldiers

15/633 Cpl. Arthur Meeson


Born July 21st 1892 
Killed In Action July 1st 1916 - Age 23 years
Buried: Serre Number 1 Cemetery, France.
Arthur Meeson was born in Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Son of Walter Stainton Meeson and the late Eliza Elizabeth Meeson lived at Oban Villas, 89 Leopold Street, Leeds. He was educated in Leeds and as a youngster, attended the Leeds Parish Church where in June of 1903 (aged 10) became a member of the Church choir.
After leaving school he worked for the Leeds Municipal (Rates) Office as a clerk in the gas, water and electric light department. During his time there worked alongside Joseph Arthur Flanagan, who later became a Sergeant with the Pals. 

When the 'Pals' tram toured Leeds, he was amongst the first to volunteer and enlisted on the 5th September 1914.

After training at Colsterdale and seeing service in Egypt and France, was later killed in action along with so many of his 'pals' on the morning of the 1st July 1916 during the Battle Of The Somme.


The Leeds Pals Recruitment Tram
The Leeds Pals Recruitment Tram

The Advance Party 22/9/1914

The Advance Party at Colsterdale - Sept 1914

The photograph shown above shows the 'advance party'. Taken on Tuesday 22nd September 1914.
Arthur Meeson can be seen 5th from the left (middle row) wearing a sash. The sash denotes their responsibilities as being in charge of the tents at Colsterdale.
The back row is made up of Leeds City Council and Waterworks officials and 5th from right is Alderman Wilson..

The Pals at Colsterdale in 1915.

Arthur Meeson (3rd from left - back row) with Pals at Colsterdale in 1915 complete with regimental pet goat.

The photographs on this page were kindly donated 'In Rememberance' by his Niece.