Private
Arthur Gilbert Altham
516 2/2nd East Lancashire Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps
Drowned on the Royal Edward, aged 17
Lived at 49 Rosehill Road
Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey
St
Peters Memorial, Burnley
Arthur Gilbert Altham was born the son of Alfred Edwin and Annie Altham of 28 Cromwell St., Stoneyholme. He enlisted in Burnley as Private 516 in the 2nd/2nd (East Lancs) Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
“Sunday
School Teacher’s Condolence" (Burnley
Express 14/9/1915)
Pte. Arthur Gilbert Altham’s
parents received official intimation at 28 Cromwell Street on Thursday
morning. Pte Altham was only seventeen year’s of age, and joined
what is known as “Callam’s Own” in October. He was an
old St.Peter’s Day and Sunday School pupil and after leaving day
school he continued his studies at the evening classes, gaining exhibitions
which kept him there. He was particularly studying cotton work and at
the same time as he enlisted was learning the jacquard trade at Grey’s
Mill. He was the youngest child of the family and his feared loss has
occasioned his parents much distress. His mother has contributed many
poems to the Burnley Express under the name of Annie Altham.
The following letter has
been received from his former Sunday School Teacher:-
The County Bank House, Haslingden, September 1st 1915. Dear Mrs Altham,
- only last evening I heard that Arthur was thought to be on the Royal
Edward, and I write to express my sympathy with you in all your anxiety
and trouble. When the other day I sent to you Arthur’s “Bible
reading Union Notes” I little thought that he was amongst the vivtims
of that sad disaster. Indeed, I did not know that he had left England.
There is still a possibility that he is amongst the rescued, and for your
sake it hope it may be so; but if, in God’s providence, has been
taken away, I do not think that anyone I have known would be more ready
for the call than Arthur. He was a thoughtful and good lad, and I am sure
you will feel the anxiety and strain of suspense very much. – with
sympathy, your faithfully, Harold Holden”.
Notes.
November 2001 Arthur G. Altham -a white cross in memory placed for Remembrance
Sunday outside the Thompson Centre.
