Hugo Robert Arthur – Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 43rd Battalion
Private Hugo Robert Arthur – Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 43rd Battalion
Birth and Family Background
Hugo Robert Arthur was born in 1882 in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire. He was
the son of Robert John Arthur and Emma Lucy Hart, who were married
in 1878 in Swansea.Hugo Robert Arthur
Early Life
 |
| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, the Arthur family were residing at Station Road, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire.
Robert John Arthur (31), born in Llanelly, was employed as an ironmonger, while his wife Emma Lucy (33), also born in Llanelly, managed the household.
Their
children were William Ernest (12), Emma Gertrude (11), Hugh
Robert (9), and Ethel Grace (7), all attending school, together with
Cecil John (5) and Robert Hart (6 weeks).
 |
| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Sheffield, where they were residing at Pismire Hill.
Robert John Arthur (41) continued his work as an ironmonger, and Emma Lucy (43) managed the household.
The
children recorded were Ernest William (22), an ironmonger; Emma
Gertrude (20); Esther Grace (17), a commercial clerk; Hugh
Robert (19), an engineer; Cecil John (15), a moulder; Rupert
Hayden Hart (10); Hilda Mabel (8); and Percival Conway (7).
Also present was a boarder, John Lewis Etuter (24), an engineer.
Marriage
 |
| 1911 Census |
In 1911, Hugo Robert Arthur married Gladys Blodwyn Jackett on the Isle of Wight. By the time of the 1911 Census, the couple had returned to Swansea, residing at 8 The Grove.
Hugo Robert (25) was employed as an engineer, and his wife Gladys Blodwyn (21)
was managing the household.
Emigration to Australia
Following
their marriage, Hugo and Gladys emigrated to Australia, where Hugo
continued his civilian life before entering military service.
Military Service
 |
| Attestation Papers |
Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 43rd Battalion — 11th August 1918
On 11th
August 1918, the 43rd Battalion was engaged in heavy
fighting on the Somme during the opening phase of the Allied Hundred
Days Offensive. This followed directly after the highly successful Battle
of Amiens, which began on 8 August 1918 and marked a decisive
turning point on the Western Front.
The
battalion, part of the 11th Brigade, 3rd Australian
Division, was committed to the advance east of Amiens, operating around Harbonnières
and neighbouring villages. Its role involved pressing forward against
withdrawing German forces, consolidating newly captured ground, and repelling
counter-attacks as the enemy attempted to stabilise a shattered defensive
line.
Although 11th
August is often described as a day of consolidation rather than a
major set-piece assault, conditions remained extremely dangerous. German
artillery continued to shell forward positions, while machine-gun fire
and snipers inflicted casualties on advancing and holding troops. The
battalion suffered steady losses, particularly among men exposed in open
ground or during relief and reorganisation operations.
The
fighting took place in devastated terrain, churned by years of
bombardment and offering little cover. Units such as the 43rd Battalion
were frequently exhausted, having advanced rapidly over previous days,
yet were required to remain alert under constant threat. Casualties
included men killed outright, others mortally wounded, and many injured
by shellfire.
It was
during these operations on 11th August 1918 that Private
Hugo Robert Arthur lost his life.
Death and Burial
 |
| Hugo Robert Arthur Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres credit - findagrave |
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