ARROWSMITH, ALFRED EDGAR, Coy, Sergt.-Major, No. 2754, 24th (Service) Battn. The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regt.), yst. s. of William Arrowsmith, of 106, Barrington Road, Crouch End, London, N., Wood Engraver, of Holborn, W.C., by his wife, Emma Jane, dau. of Henry Godden; b. Stroud Green, Finsbury Park, N., 12 Sept. 1888; educ. Stroud Green School aforesaid; was employed by a firm of Motor Manufacturers; enlisted 18 Jan. 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 11 Nov. following, and died at No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens, 30 March, 1918, from wounds received in action at Aveluy Wood on the 28th of that month. Buried in the Military Cemetery, Doullens. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit signed by Major-Gen. C. E. Pereisa, commanding 2nd Division, which stated: “Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Comr Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field on 13 and 14 April, 1917. I have read their reports, and although promotion and decorations cannot be given in every case, I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognized and how greatly it is appreciated.” An officer wrote: “Up to the time of his being wounded he had behaved with the utmost coolness,” and a comrade: “I have faced death with him many times. We, the few pals who are left, shall always reverence him. He was a soldier every inch, and has never flinched at facing death or any hardships. Before going into action he was always cheery and encouraging, and we who were under him would never consider anything too big to do for him, as he was one of the best, and fought and died for honour.” Prior to the war Coy. Sergt.-Major Arrowsmith had served for five years with the 6th Battn. London Regt. (T.F.). He was a keen sportsman, and played football brilliantly at school. and later in amateur circles; unm.
Source : De Ruvigmy’s Roll Of Honour Vol 5