THE short life of Harlow resident Arthur Perry as read out as part of a session with the Harlow theatre community.

This project has been supported by the Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Arthur’s parents were William Perry, born in Sawbridgeworth in 18431 and Emma Wood, born in Sawbridgeworth in 18452. They married in Bishop’s Stortford on 3 November 18673 and Arthur Perry was born in Harlow in the summer of 18884.

The 1891 census shows Arthur residing in White Horse Cottages, next to the White Horse Inn, Old Road, Harlow with his parents and siblings, John and Clara. William was working as a miller whilst Arthur’s brother John was working as an agricultural labourer and Clara was working as a domestic servant. The 1901 census recorded Arthur still residing in Old Road, Harlow with his parents. William was working as a general miller’s labourer. Arthur’s father William died in Harlow in 19045 at the age of 61.

The 1911 census shows Arthur residing in Old Road, Harlow with his widowed mother Emma. Arthur was working as a bricklayer while his mother was a charwoman.

Private Arthur Perry, G/15641, enlisted in Hertford and served in The 13th Battalion of The Royal Sussex Regiment. The Regiment was about to take part in the Battle of St. Quentin. Arthur was killed in action on 21 March 1918 aged 28 on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, which they hoped would end the war. Arthur is commemorated on The Pozieres Memorial to the Missing, France. Panels 46 & 47. Register Index Number MR27.