Arthur Crowder (1892–1961)

Driver

Royal Field Artillery 105651  

Photo courtesy Jeanette Dale

Arthur Crowder

Biography [Simon Johnson]
He was born in 1892 and worked as a limestone quarryman before the war.
Arthur Crowder and Albert Foulds Crowder attested as regular soldiers in 1915, for twelve years' service. Although they were both transferred to the Army Reserve in 1919, they remained as reservists until the completion of the twelve years in 1927. Interestingly, these records show that both 'brothers' were mobilised in April 1921 after a state of emergency had been declared on 31 March, under the Emergency Powers Act 1920. This was declared after the Triple Alliance (predecessor to the TUC) called a strike over a miners' wage dispute. When, on 15 April, the transport and rail unions decided not to call for strike action in solidarity with the miners, this became known as 'Black Friday'.
Albert and Arthur were recognised as brothers despite Albert actually being Arthur's nephew; Arthur Crowder, was only two years Albert's senior.

See the photograph below – the photograph was taken by Crown Studios of 1 Canon Street, Aberdare, it must have been taken at around that the time they enlisted in 1915, and it would seem likely that both brothers would be pictured. The man standing at the back is unidentified.

Albert Crowder and others

Arthur Crowder seated right

Arthur was demobbed in February 1919

Newspaper Reports

Derbyshire Courier
15 February 1919
CRICH, LEA & HOLLOWAY
Others to receive their discharge during the week incude Drivers Sam Taylor of Crich Common and Arthur Crowder of Crich.

He was reported as having awarded a bravery certificate similar to Arthur Bollington.

Derbyshire Courier
8 March 1919
Before leaving France, Cpl Alfred Bollington, of Sun Lane, Crich, who has recently received his discharge from the Army, was the recipient of a certificate in recognition of his bravery. The certificate presented and signed by the Major-General commanding the 34th Division, is as follows: – "to Cpl Alfred Bollington, 102 L.T.M. Battery. Your brigadier has reported that on the fourth of September, 1918 at Kemmel, you displayed conspicuous courage and gallantry in firing your trench mortar under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, thus enabling the infantry to advance." Cpl Bollington is one of several brothers who have served during the war, his service extending to four years and three months. Driver Arthur Crowder is another Crich soldier who has received a similar distinction for bravery in the field.

Note: the L.T.M. Battery was the Light Trench Mortar Battery

Medal Roll Index Card
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals.
Entered France 14 December 1915
Driver RFA

Artillery Attestation
1015614 R Crowder Arthur 4.9.15 (Enlistment date) 23 6/12 (age on enistment); Aberdare (place of enlistment); Winder (occupation); 11.4.21; 6.6.21 (Rembodied Service dates); Sunlane, Crich; Mrs Isaac Hall, Sunlane, Crich (sister)

Arthur Crowder's nephew Albert Crowder is also on the Roll of Honour.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Hat Factory, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George Crowder Head 53 Lime burner Matlock
Mary Crowder wife 49   Crich
Charles Crowder son 16 Pony driver coal pit Crich
Herbert Crowder son 12   Crich
Arthur Crowder son 9   Crich
Elsie Crowder daughter 8   Crich
Albert F Crowder son 6   Lea
Ada Crowder daughter 5   Crich

RG13 piece 3231 folio 6 page 4

1911: The Cross, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Mary Crowder Head (wdw) 59   Crich
Herbert Crowder son 22 Galvanizer wire works Crich
Arthur Crowder son 19 Limestone quarryman Crich
Elsie Crowder grand child 18 Factory hand spinning Lea Mills Crich
Albert Foulds Crowder son 16 Water works errand boy Crich
Ada Crowder daughter 15 Factory hand hosiery Lea Mills Crich

RG14PN20985 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED14 SN129

1939 Register: Cannon Fields, Hope View, Bakewell
Arthur Crowder b.16 Match 1892; public works contactor
Albert Foulds Crowder b.29 November 1894; driller quarry, gritstone