Arthur Charles Eadon
Private Arthur Charles Eadon – Royal Fusiliers, 26th Battalion
Early Life
George Eadon and Sarah Anne Buck
marriage certificate
St. Margaret's, Westminster, London
Arthur Charles Eadon was born in Swansea in 1890,
the youngest son of George Eadon and Sarah Anne Buck, who had
married in 1878 at St Margaret’s, Westminster, London.
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| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family was living at 34 Gorse Lane, Swansea. George, aged 37 and born in London, was working as a piano tuner, while Sarah, aged 38, managed the household. Their children were Beatrice B. (9), Sidney G. (5), Percy R. (3), and Arthur C. (1 month).
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, Sarah was living at 27 Gorse Lane with her children, as George was absent from the household. She was recorded as 48 years old, with her children listed as Beatrice (19), a piano teacher; Sidney (15), a painter’s apprentice; Percy (12); and Arthur (10).
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| 1911 Census |
In 1904, Sarah died, leaving George a widower. At the 1911 Census, the family was recorded at 16 Alexandra Terrace, Brynmill. George, then 57, was still working as a piano tuner. With him were Beatrice Rhoda (29); Percy Robert (23), an electrician; and Arthur Charles (20), employed as a coach builder. Also in the household was Hannah Williams (20), a shop assistant, listed as a boarder.
Marriage
In 1913, Arthur married Josephine Lucas, and
the couple later made their home at 3 Kimberley Road, Sketty,
establishing his link with the parish.
Military Service
Arthur enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers, 26th Battalion,
also known as the “Bankers’ Battalion.” The unit formed part of the 124th
Brigade, 41st Division, and saw extensive service on the Western
Front.
In March 1918, during the German Spring Offensive,
the 41st Division, including the 26th Battalion, was called up to reinforce
sectors under heavy pressure. The battalion was engaged in holding defensive
lines, carrying out retreats, and launching counterattacks as the German
advance gathered pace.
By 2nd April 1918, the battalion was
positioned in or near the Passchendaele Salient, north of Ypres, having
recently returned from service in Italy. They were part of the Second Army
front, an area that soon became heavily involved in the Lys Offensive
and related operations.
Death
Private Arthur Charles Eadon was killed in action on 2nd
April 1918, aged 28. His death came during a critical stage of the German
Spring Offensive, a massive push launched on the Western Front in March
1918 to break through Allied lines before American troops arrived in force.
Although the initial attack (Operation Michael) fell on the
Somme sector, by early April the fighting had spread north into Flanders. The 41st
Division, including Arthur’s battalion, was rushed into the line to
reinforce weak sectors and prepare for renewed German attacks. On 2 April, the 26th
Royal Fusiliers were holding positions in the Passchendaele Salient,
a region devastated by earlier battles. Conditions were difficult: trenches
were shallow, the ground was waterlogged, and German artillery and raids were constant.
Within days, the Battle of the Lys (also known as the
Fourth Battle of Ypres) erupted on 9 April, confirming that the Germans
had indeed shifted their main effort into Flanders. Arthur’s death on 2 April
came in the tense and dangerous lead-up to that onslaught, when Allied troops
faced relentless pressure from bombardments, probing attacks, and attrition in
exposed forward positions.
Burial
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| Arthur Charles Eadon Arras Memorial credit - findagrave |
Legacy
Arthur’s sacrifice is remembered on the St Paul’s Church
war memorial in Sketty, honouring both his service and the community
connection formed through his marriage. His story reflects the global nature of
the war, linking Swansea to the battlefields of Flanders and Arras, and ensures
his name lives on among those who gave their lives during the Great War.
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