 ARTHUR
CHARLES VICTOR BIGWOOD (1898-1902), was the only son of Mr. Charles Bigwood
of Ashfield, Compton Road, Wolverhampton. On
leaving school he entered his father’s engineering works.
As soon as war broke out he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, and in the
early part of 1915 crossed over to France.
Selected on account of keenness and intelligence as a ‘runner’, he
was engaged on despatch work until he met his death at Arras on March 11th
1917, using, by preference, an ordinary bicycle in his hazardous journeys.
His interest in his duties was so great that he resolutely declined
recommendation for commissioned rank. In
a glowing tribute to his worth, his commanding officer wrote: “Sapper Bigwood
showed consistent zeal and efficiency during the whole time he was with us.
During the first month of the Battle of the Somme he distinguished
himself particularly in the fearless way he took messages through the barrage
and his devotion to duty, especially towards the end, when he was becoming
absolutely exhausted. Never once
did he fail to take or deliver information given him.
As his comrade-in-arms, let me tell you we are very proud of him”.
Other Information
Killed 9th April 1917, aged 29.
Buried at Fauborg-D'Omiers Cemetary, Arras, France: Plot 2, Row F, Grave 7.
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