Local History

From Derby to the trenches of northern France, Arthur Bryan wrote more than 50 letters to friends and family - many of them love letters to his beloved wife Louisa.

The letters, written over a period of months, chronicle his military service in the King's Royal Rifle Corps from being stationed in England through to his time in the trenches. Before the war, Arthur was a drayman in a railway goods yard.

"Keep our little darling safe and sound"

Rifleman Bryan's age at the time of his death is, as yet, undetermined - but we do know that he married Louisa (neé Adkins) in the latter part of 1912 and that his daughter, Doris, was born a few short weeks before he went away. They lived on Quarn Street in Derby, though many of his letters were sent to Louisa's mother's house on Noel Street.

The photo on this page was handed to his extended family, along with others. Research leads us to believe it MAY be the face of Arthur Bryan, though it is not certain. If it is not Arthur, then it is almost certainly the face of his brother Samuel who also died in the trenches.

Most of his letters begin with the words "My Dear Wife" and he signs almost all of them "Your loving husband, Arthur."

In his writings, Arthur expresses his concern for his wife's welfare and financial well-being. He talks to her about getting a travel pass for her to use on the railway.

He reminds her to stay cheerful and not to worry about him. He talks about their daughter and how he misses them both. His letters tell of life in the trenches. He says he can't wait to be with his wife again and he talks about his brothers (Sam and Alf) and their involvement in the war. References to George are to his brother-in-law, married to his sister, Emma.

In one note, he says he has imminent news of a surprise for his lovely 'Louie'.

He often says he doesn't expect the war to last long and that he will be home soon.

Rifleman Arthur Bryan was killed in action on 10 March 1915. He was shot through the heart near Givenchy in France.

Was this Arthur Bryan?

The letter from his commanding officer to Louisa reads: ".. no man could die a quicker or bolder death than he did while helping another to bring in some wounded.

"Had he lived he would have been honourably rewarded for his pluck and the kindly act he was performing.

"Perhaps it will be some consolation for you to know that his body was brought in and quickly buried, and all the men have taken it upon themselves to show their respect for him by making his grave as good a one as is possible."

Rifleman Arthur Bryan is buried at the Guards Cemetery in Cuinchy - close to Givenchy where he fell.

His letters remain in the safe keeping of the Derbyshire Record Office.

Arthur's family line

It would be great if we could find a direct descendent of Arthur, Louisa and Doris.

We know Doris later married Sidney Moreton and that their last know address was Walter Street in Derby. We also know that Doris died in the 1980s, aged around 70.

Please use the form below if you have any further details of Arthur Bryan's descendents.