Arthur Chapman Cussons (1896-1917)
Norton man served with 3rd/5th and 1st/9th DLI commemorated at Arras
Arthur Chapman Cousins was born at 20 Grange Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees in 1896. He was the son of Marmaduke and Emma Cussons; his father was an iron turner. He had two brothers, Charles William (born 1894) and Henry (born 1892). In the 1911 census the family is recorded as living at 19 Edgar Terrace, Norton, Stockton. Arthur was working as a clerk and both his brothers as draughtsmen.
From his army service record it seems that he served as part of the 3rd/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry from 17 June 1915 to 5 June 1916. Arthur was promoted to acting sergeant during this time. The 3rd/5th DLI was largely raised in Stockton. This battalion’s purpose was to train new recruits for the front and was therefore based in England.
Arthur appears to have transferred to the 1st/9th Battalion DLI in November 1916. He disembarked in France on 4 November 1916 and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal (it is likely that he reverted to the rank of private in order to be posted to the front).
Arthur Chapman Cussons was killed on 23 April 1917 and is commemorated on Bay 8 of the Arras Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and the War Medals. His father received his effects of £2 5s 7d and a gratutity of £7. Arthur effects were also returned to him, they comprised “diary, two pairs of scissors, nail clippers, watch, protector”.
Civil Parish: Norton
Birth date: 1896
Death date: 23-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 19 Edgar Terrace, Norton-on-Tees (1901, 1911 census)
6 Grange Road, Norton-on-Tess (Attestation)
Employment: Clerk (1911 census)
Family: Parents: Marmaduke Cussons, Emma Franks Cussons
Siblings: Harry Cussons, Charles William Cussons
Military service:
3rd/5th DLI
Service number: 917314
1st/9th DLI
Service number: 325689
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Arras Memorial, France
Saint Thomas’s Church, Stockton, High Street, book of remembrance (lists 9th DLI)
Norton-on-Tees Congregation Church (Now United Reform Church), roll of honour (lists 5th DLI)
Saint Mary the Virgin Church, The Collegiate, Norton-on-Tees
Gender: Male
Contributed by swejk, darlington
