134873, Sapper, “Z” Special Company, Royal Engineers
Killed in Action on the 3rd April 1917 aged 25

Sapper Arthur Chamberlain
Arthur was the son of Eli & Julia Chamberlain of 125 High Street, Stevenage. Before joining the Army he worked in his father’s Plumbing & Gas fitting business which may be the reason why he was selected to serve in a special unit of the Royal Engineers.
He was serving in “Z” company of the Royal Engineers which was a unit specialising in the use of Gas & Flame Projectors. On the 3rd April 1917 the company were proceeding along the Lille Road near Arras when they were heavily shelled by German artillery, killing Arthur Chamberlain and his Sergeant, Reginald Richard Ford MM, and seriously wounding their officer, Lieutenant Clement Stuart Hogg, who died three days later from his injuries at a Casualty Clearing Station near Aubigny.
The casualties were;
Lieutenant Clement Stuart HOGG aged 25 of Clapham, London.
He had previously served with the Royal Fusiliers and received his Commission on the 4th February 1917. Clement Hogg is buried in the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
19883 Sergeant Reginald Richard FORD M.M. aged 29 of Cullompton, Devon.
He had served in the Army since 1910 and had been wounded on several occasions. Reginald Ford has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Arras Memorial (Bay 1.)
Arthur Chamberlain is buried in the St.Nicholas British Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France. (Grave Reference: I.A.1.). His grave number indicates that he was the first soldier to be buried in this cemetery, which lays behind a housing estate on the outskirts of Arras.
Headstone Inscription: "Until The Day Break And The Shadows Flee Away"
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
