Remembered Today: Gunner Harold John ARTHUR, Royal Field Artillery, who died on 8th November 1917, Baghdad North Gate War Cemetery

As we approach Remembrance Sunday a reminder that Iraq (or as was known in WW1 - Mesopotamia) has been the scene of conflict in Two World Wars and a modern conflict.

Gunner Arthur is listed as serving with 63rd Battery RFA. A look at the Long Long Trail for 10th Brigade RFA "63 Battery replaced 81 before the Division sailed for Mesopotamia. It arrived there in 1914 and saw service in the Tigris campaigns before being besieged at Kut-al-Amara. The gunners were taken prisoner when the garrison of Kut was surrendered on 29 April 1916. The brigade was not rebuilt until after the war"

One wonders if Gunner Arthur lost his life as a Prisoner of War.

CWGC Gunner JH ARTHUR

Name:ARTHUR

Initials:H J

Nationality:United Kingdom

Rank:Gunner

Regiment/Service:Royal Field Artillery

Unit :63rd Bty.

Date of Death:08/11/1917

Service No:91150

Additional information:Son of Mrs. Edith Arthur, of Long Marston, Stratford-on-Avon.

Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference:Nisibin Mem. 220.

Cemetery:BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY

It is unfortunate that the CWGC is unable to maintain the graves at the Baghdad Cemetery, so it good that Gunner Arthur is remembered on the forum

The location of the cemetery has been discussed on the forum before, Baghdad North Gate Cemetery, Iraq and information can be found on the CWGC Cemetery Report

Google Earth

"Whilst the current climate of political instability persists it is not possible for the Commission to manage or maintain its cemeteries and memorials located within Iraq. Alternative arrangements for commemoration have therefore been implemented and a two volume Roll of Honour listing all casualties buried and commemorated in Iraq has been produced. These volumes are on display at the Commission's Head Office in Maidenhead and are available for the public to view"