Grandad goes to War

On the 27^th November 1915 my Grandfather, Arthur Hollins, aged just 18, serving as a Driver in the Royal Field Artillery arrived in France.

Arthur Hollins RFA

Arthur Hollins was born on the 18^th February 1897 in Rugeley, Staffordshire the youngest child of Benjamin James and Ann Hollins (Nee Hodson). He had one sister, Mary Ann (born 1884 in Woodseaves) and three brothers Benjamin (Born 1887 in Rugeley), who had just died of wounds , just two weeks prior to Arthur arriving in France. Benjamin had also been badly gassed at the front, James (Jimmy Born 1891 in Rugeley), who had also been wounded in the attack on Hohenzollern Redoubt and Edward (Ted Born 16^th March 1895 in Rugeley) and was also serving in the army.

Arthur Hollins on Horseback WW1

In 1911, the family were living at 27 Bow Street, Rugeley. Arthur (aged 14) was still at school, his father, Benjamin, was a labourer above the ground at the colliery, James was a horse Driver in the local mine, Edward (aged 16 in 1911) also worked in the mines. His sister Mary-Ann was employed doing domestic duties and her daughter Ada Scott Hollins (aged 7) was also with the family..