Arthur Midgley enlisted on 24th November 1914, as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery (Reg. No. M2/101390). At the time of his enlistment he was employed as an Insurance Manager.

Arthur was transferred to the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) on 27th May 1915, promoted to Acting Corporal on 4th June 1915, and Acting Sergeant on 18th June 1915. He was then promoted to Acting Second Lieutenant, on 11th November 1915, and transferred to the 11th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. Arthur was then transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on 28th January 1916. 

The Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14th-17th July 1916

This battle was part of the Battle of the Somme. The British Fourth Army attacked at dawn on 14th July, against the German 2nd Army. The 9th Coy. of the Machine Gun Corps were part of the 3rd Division. At 3.20 am the British Artillery opened a hurricane bombardment on the German front-line trenches.

At 3.25 am, when the bombardment lifted, the infantry rushed in. On the left, the 21st Division attacked from Mametz Wood. On the right was the 7th Division which was faced with a complex of German trenches. On the right attacking between Bazentin le Grand and Longueval were the 3rd Division and the 9th (Scottish) Division. In the centre, things did not go well for the 3rd Division. The German wire was uncut and although the German defensive barrage missed the assaulting battalions it caught the supporting waves. 

Although there is no definitive record of when, or how Arthur Midgley lost his life, he would have died in a Casualty Clearing Station as a result of wounds sustained in this action. He was 27 years old.

Perthshire Advertiser, 22nd July 1916

“THE PRICE OF VICTORY - PERTH OFFICERS AND MEN WOUNDED AND FALLEN"

“Another prominent citizen who must be given a place in the roll of heroes is Second Lieutenant Arthur Midgley now fallen in action. He is the eldest son of Mr Frederick Midgley, F.R.C.O., the organist of St. John’s East Parish Church."

"Twenty seven years of age, he was educated at Sharp’s Institution and Perth Academy. After leaving school he was for a time employed in the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation, Ltd. Prior to enlisting he was the representative of the Royal Insurance Company, Dumfries."

“He served with the Machine Gun Section of the Royal Field Artillery, and in November last was gazetted Second Lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders."

“His brother, Private Albert Midgley, is serving with the Royal Fusiliers.”

Arthur Midgley is also commemorated on the St. John’s East Parish Church War Memorial, Perth; and the St. John’s Church, Dumfries, War Memorial.