Early Life.
Arthur Wood was born in 1871 at Elston, Nottinghamshire and was baptised on the 13th April 1871 at Elston Chapel. His father was Edward Wood who was born in 1829 at Elston and was an Agricultural Labourer. He married Ellen Carlile, who was born in 1835 at Aslockton, Nottinghamshire, on the 12th June 1854 at St. John of Beverley Anglican Church Whatton, Nottinghamshire, they are thought to have had six children:
1. Mary Ann Wood born in 1857 and died in 1869 at Elston. 2. John Wood born in 1860 at Elston. 3. William Wood born in 1864 at Elston. 4. Arthur. 5. & 6. Twins Ann and Mary born in 1873 at Elston, Mary died in 1874 at Elston.
Predominantly the records show their surnames as Wood and Carlile but some of the early ones show them as Woods and Carlisle.
In the 1861 census the family are recorded as living in (believed to be) Cotham Bridge Road, Elston, in the 1871 census they are shown as living at Manor House, Elston but by the 1881 census they are shown simply as living in Elston. However, in 1881 Arthur, a scholar, was listed as a visitor with the Gaunt family in Bullpit Lane, Balderton, Nottinghamshire. Nothing more is known about Arthur until he enlisted into the Army in 1889.
Early Army Service.
Arthur’s Army Service Record, Army Form B.217, has survived and contains the following information.
On the 16th July 1889 Arthur Wood was Attested at Newark as Private 7756 in the Coldstream Guards enlisting for Short Service of 3 years in the Colours and 9 years in the Reserve. He stated he had been born in Elston, Newark, Nottingham, that he was British and 18 years 3 months old, he was a Labourer, that he had not lived away from home, was not an apprentice, had never been married or sentenced to imprisonment, was not currently, or had previously served in or been discharged from the Military. He declared that he had told the truth and that he had never been rejected for Army Service owing to being unfit.
His Description on Enlistment was as follows: Age physically equivalent to 18 years, height: 5 ft 7 ¼ ins., weight: 144lbs., Chest measurement: 34, complexion: fresh, eyes: brown, hair: brown, religion: Church of England, distinctive marks: none. His next of kin was shown as his father, Edward Wood, Elston, Notts.
He was Medically Examined on the 16th July 1889 at Newark and declared fit for the Army.
His Statement of Service, Military History Sheet and 1891 census record the following: 20th July 1889 joined at London.
1891 census shows that Private Arthur Wood was single aged 20 and a member of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards living at Chelsea Barracks London S.W.
16th July 1891 awarded Good Conduct Pay at 1d per day. 16th July 1892 transferred to Section B Army Reserve after completing his 3 years, all of which had been served at Home.
Police Service.
Arthur was Appointed as Constable 172 in the Hertford County Constabulary on the 27th April 1893. His Police Service Record has not survived but from other sources it has been possible to build up quite a detailed account of his service, not least due to a newspaper article published on his retirement which detailed every Station he was posted to, which began with Watford.
A Driverless Cart.
Published in the Watford Observer on Saturday the 20th May 1893 under the headline: Highway Offence – John Mason, of Bovingdon, was charged with riding asleep on a cart of which he was in charge, at Rickmansworth on May 2nd. Police Constable Wood stated “On Tuesday, May 2nd, at 10 p.m., I was on duty in Chorleywood Road, and saw a wagon drawn by two horses on the highway going in the direction of Rickmansworth. Seeing no one in charge I shouted but no one answered. As I was leading the horse away the defendant awoke on the top of the load. He was civil.” Fined 5s. and 6s. costs. In default, three days imprisonment.
Explosion At Paper Mill.
Published in the Watford Observer on Saturday the 17th June 1893 under the headline: Explosion At A Paper Mill – An explosion, which proved to be serious, and caused alarm in the neighbourhood occurred at the Mill End Paper Company’s works on Saturday morning, the 10th inst. Fortunately, however, it happened while most of the hands were absent for breakfast, only four persons being left in the building, the machine man, Yates, Mr. Thomas Williams, of Bledlow Paper Mills, and two lads, Fred Wainwright and Thomas Price. The two latter were having their breakfast at 8.20 when a large horizontal iron drying cylinder suddenly burst. The end of the cylinder was forced through an 18 inch wall, and the debris scattered over the lawns of the houses adjoining. The machinery was much damaged. Price and Wainwright were seriously injured, Price having been thrown through the hole in the wall on to the road. Williams had got out of the building unhurt and rushed to the rescue of Wainwright and was severely scalded in getting him out from under the fragments of the fallen roof and walls. Wainwright almost unconscious when got out. Medical aid was summoned, and Dr. Parker was soon in attendance, and we hear that under his treatment the sufferers are progressing satisfactorily. Assistance was also rendered Police Constable Wood who was soon on the spot.
Fruit Thief.
Published In the Watford Observer on Saturday the 26th August 1893 under the headline: Vagaries Of London Beanfeasters – On Monday, before Mr. R.W. Henderson, at the Town Hall, Henry Parr was charged with stealing on the previous day a quantity of tomatoes value 1s., growing in Mr. Michael Rowan’s garden at Batchworth. Parr was further charged with having at the same time damaged certain broccoli, value 3s. growing in same garden. He was next charged with William Mavor with having on the same day assaulted Mr. Michael Rowan, and Patrick Kelly and William Mavor were further charged with having on the same day attempted to rescue Parr from the lawful custody of Police Constable Wood After the statements of Rowan and Police Constable Wood had been taken, the Magistrates remanded the defendants on all the charges to the ensuing Tuesday’s Petty Sessions at Watford.
Marriage.
Arthur married Elizabeth Kirby, who was born on the 6th February 1871 at Hoddesdon, in the second quarter of 1897 in Hoddesdon. They had four children:
1. Beryl Eileen Wood born on 13th April 1903 at Sawbridgeworth. 2. Arthur Edward John Wood born on the 9th November 1904 at Sawbridgeworth. 3. Percy Alfred Wood born on the 18th October 1910 at Welwyn. 4. Esme Olive Wood born on the 3rd April 1913 at Welwyn.
Transfers.
It is believed, assuming that the stations listed in the newspaper article are in chronological order of service, that around this time Arthur was transferred from C Division at Watford to firstly A Division at Ware, then Hare Street and Buntingford. With so many postings he can’t have remained long at any of them. Next came E Division at Haultwick, then Little Munden and Bennington. In the Electoral Roll for 1900 there is an Arthur Wood listed as living in Haultwick. Finally, for this period, and it has not been possible to determine whether it occurred before or after the Boer War, comes a move to B Division at Sawbridgeworth.
Recalled to the Army – Boer War.
Arthur’s Army Service Record shows the following:
9th October 1899 Recalled to Army Service under Special Army Order 7th October 1899 as a Private in the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards. His next of kin was given as Mrs. H. Kirby, Lord Street, Hoddesdon.
3rd January 1900 commenced service in South Africa and posted to 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
According to the newspaper article Arthur was part of the 1st Division South African Field Force, under Lord Methuen, at Modder River. He also took part in engagements at Magersfontein and Poplar Grove and was in other minor actions at Bloemfontein. He unfortunately contracted rheumatic fever and was later ill with enteric fever, being invalided home.
25th June 1900 re-commenced service at Home and posted to 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards having served 173 days abroad.
15th May 1902 discharged from the Army on the expiration of his 1st Period of Service.
Arthur as a Private in the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards was awarded the following medal: the Queen’s South African Medal with clasps for Driefontein and Cape Colony.
Re-Joining The Police.
The precise date that Frederick re-joined the Police is not known. However, it is possible to make a calculated estimate using information from his Army Service Record and the below General Order.
General Order 22 of the 9th October 1902 announced that under the provisions of the Police Reservists Act 1902, the Police Authority for the County has decided that the Army Service of those Police who were called upon to re-join the Colours as Reservists during the late war shall count as approved service for Pension or Gratuity under the provisions of the Police Act 1890. This order affects the undermentioned Sergeant and Constables.
PC Hyiatt 91 D Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 294 days PC Wood 172 B Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 24 days PC Warren 55 E Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 350 days PC Hunt 134 D Division Service with Regiment 351 days PC Pusey 183 F Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 183 days PC Hammond 89 B Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 218 days PC Burgess 107 D Division Service with Regiment 236 days PC Field 234 A Division Service with Regiment 31 days PS Wilcox 138 B Division Service with Regiment 340 days PC Stevens 60 A Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 185 days
His Army Service Record states that he was recalled on the 9th October 1899 and 86 days later on the 3rd January 1900 commenced Military Service in South Africa. He served 173 days in South Africa before returning and re-commencing duties at Home on the 25th June 1900 which totals 259 days. From the above General Order, he was allowed to count 1 year and 24 days Army Service meaning that after returning home he remained in the Army for a further 130 days bringing him to the 2nd November 1900. The reason for his relatively short stay in South Africa and then the lengthy period back at Home can be explained by him contracting rheumatic fever and later enteric fever. So, if as it is believed that his Police Service was continuous with his Army Service, he would have re-joined the Constabulary on the 3rd November 1900.
In the 1901 census Arthur, whose occupation was recorded as Police Force, was living with Elizabeth in London Road, Sawbridgeworth.
The 1903 Electoral Roll records an Arthur Wood as living at Stortford Road, Sawbridgeworth.
Another Transfer.
General Order1 of the 2nd January 1905 announced four transfers which were to take place at once. This included PC Wood 172 from B to F Division station Bayford.
Public Nuisance.
Published in the Hertfordshire Mercury on the 17th November 1906 under the headline Fireworks In The Street. Let Off With A Fine: Alfred Miles was charged with throwing fireworks about the streets on November 5th. PC Wood stated that at 8 p.m. on Monday night, November 5th, he was in Railway Street, when he saw the defendant let off several fireworks. Then he lit one at Mr. Dodson’s fish shop, and another he lit and threw in the bedroom window, and it fell on the bed where Mr. Dodson’s little child was sleeping. Mr. Dodson rushed upstairs and put it out in time to prevent any damage being done. PC Pusey corroborated. Supt Foster said that Mr. Dodson had been warned to attend but was on the sick list. He added that bills had been posted all over the town warning people against letting off fireworks in the street, and although a good many people had to be cautioned, this case was so bad that he was obliged to take action. The Bench inflicted a fine of 10 shillings and informed the defendant that he might have caused very serious damage by his foolish action.
General Order 22 of the 20th August 1907 announced that 6 Officers would receive an increased rate of pay. This included PC Wood 172F who was placed on Merit Class and would receive 1/- per week extra with effect from the 1st August 1907.
The 1907 and 1909 Electoral Rolls list an Arthur Wood as living at Bayford.
Promotion To Acting Sergeant And A Transfer to Welwyn.
General Order 7 of the 17th April 1909 announced that Sergeant Berry 98B and PC Wright 239R are appointed Detective Officers on probation, Station Watford, as from 22nd April 1909. PC Wood 172F is appointed Acting Sergeant on augmentation as from the 22nd April 1909.
No official record has been located but as can be seen in the below newspaper article Arthur was transferred to Welwyn.
Assault.
Published in the Hertfordshire Mercury on the 2nd January 1910 under the headline Assault At The Queen’s Head. Landlady attacked: Thomas Harrison, aged 47 years and described as a barber, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to an indictment for assaulting Alice Harwood on 2nd December 1909.
Mr Eustace Fulton, for the prosecution, stated that the prisoner entered the Queen’s Head public house at Welwyn and violently and indecently assaulted Mrs. Harwood, the Landlady of the premises. Mr. Fulton understood that the prisoner was hardly responsible for his actions. There were two previous convictions for larceny against him and fourteen convictions for vagrancy.
Giving evidence, PS Wood described the prisoner as a ‘tramping man and weak minded’. The prisoner had just come out of Pentonville Prison where he had been officially certified as weak minded. PS Wood stated that Harrison had been addicted to drink for several years.
The Chairman of the Bench said it was necessary to protect women from such assaults but as the prisoner was in a weak state of mind, he would be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment without hard labour. Thomas Harrison would receive proper medical treatment whilst he was in prison.
Confirmation Of Promotion To Sergeant.
General Order 19 of the 3rd May 1910 announced that Acting Sergeant Wood 172F is promoted Sergeant on 30/4 per week from 21st April 1910.
In the 1911 census Arthur, Elizabeth and their then three children are recorded as living at the Police Station at Welwyn.
General Order 21 of the 22nd June 1911 announced that 20 Officers would receive an increased rate of pay. This included Sgt. Wood 172F who would move from 30/4 to 31/6 per week with effect from the 1st June 1911.
General Order 69 of the 25th April 1915 announced that 8 Officers were to receive an increased rate of pay. This included Sgt 172 Wood A. of F Division from 35/7 to 36/2 per week from the 22nd April 1915.
A Minor Blemish.
General Order 185 of the 29th November 1915 announced that Police Sergeant 172F Arthur Wood having been reported for obstructing and assisting Police Constable 150F Wilfred C. Darton to make a false report to Superintendent G. Reed on 3rd November 1915 is fined 20/-.
General Order 83 of the 12th July 1916 entitled: Bicycle Allowance, announced that General Order 36 of 1914 and all subsequent Orders made thereunder are hereby cancelled and the following substituted. There then followed a list of 40 named Officers who were to receive the Bicycle Allowance. Number 31 on the list was PS 172 Wood A. F Division Welwyn, date granted 18th May 1913.
Commendation.
Published in the Biggleswade Chronicle on Friday the 16th August 1918 under the headline: Theft of Bicycles Sandy. At Bedford Division Petty Sessions on Saturday, Pte. Peter Sherrill (21). was charged with stealing a bicycle at Roxton on August 2, the property of Sidney Brace.
Prosecutor, a labourer of Wyboston, said he was at Chawston at 9.50 on the day in question, and left his bicycle against a fence whilst he went into a house. Returning a few minutes later, discovered that the bicycle was missing. He went to Great Barford, Biggleswade and Welwyn, and at the latter place found the defendant detained by the police. He was shown a bicycle, which was not his, but the lamp attached was his property. The bicycle now produced in court was witnesses, but It had been considerably damaged.
Thos. Reg. Gilbertson, agricultural engineer, Biggleswade, said he put his bicycle against a gate at 8 a.m., and at one o’clock found it had gone and another bicycle close by. The bicycle produced the one he found and was subsequently handed over to the police.
PS Wood, Welwyn, stated that at 1.30 on August 2nd, he saw prisoner go by his house on a bicycle. Witness followed him on his bicycle, and in consequence of a telephone message he had received, stopped defendant, who gave the name of George Williams, and said he was a discharged soldier. Witness detained defendant, who said he bought the machine and had had it for two years. Brace was sent for, and Identified the lamp, and also stated that he saw defendant previous to missing his bicycle. On being charged defendant said he did take the bicycle, and about three miles along the road he saw another one In field, and changed the machines, taking the lamp off the first one and fitting it on the other he had his possession.
Defendant pleaded guilty and elected to be dealt with summarily. Sherrill was further charged with stealing a bicycle at Biggleswade, the property of Thomas Gilbertson. PS Busby said he received defendant In custody, and when charged he said “I wish I hadn’t had them now. There were two In a ditch from which I had the machine.” Defendant also pleaded guilty to this charge, and an officer of defendant’s regt. said his military record was a very bad one, and he had broken away from draft. Supt. Purser said that a number of forged documents and discharge papers in the name of Williams had been found upon prisoner. Defendant was sent to prison for three months hard labour on each charge, the sentences to run consecutively.
The Chairman said the Bench wished Supt. Purser to convey their appreciation to the Chief Constable of Herts, of the skill and enterprise shown by Sgt. Wood in this case. Supt. Purser: I shall be very pleased to do so.
General Order 81 of the 16th August 1918 announced a Commendation. In the case of Rex V. George Williams @ Peter Cherrill – Larceny Bicycles. At the Bedford County Petty Sessions on 10th August 1918 Police Sergeant 172 Wood of the Hertford County Constabulary station Welwyn was commended by the Chairman W. Harter Esq. for smartness and skill displayed in effecting the arrest of above named, who was sentenced to 3 and 3 months imprisonment (consecutive). The Deputy Chief Constable hereby directs that the Commendation shall be entered on the Police Sergeants record.
Retirement On Pension.
General Order 96 of the 12th October 1918 announced that 5 Officers had been awarded Pensions. This included PS 172 Wood A. of F Division following the completion of 25 years of Approved Service he was to receive a pension of £60/6/11 per annum from the 11th October 1918.
This Order was clearly cancelled with the Chief Constable’s consent as can be seen by the following substitute Order. No reason is known however, it did coincide with a major pay rise which is reflected in the much increased annual pension.
General Order 81 of the 1st April 1919 announced that 23 Officers had been awarded Pensions. This included PS 172 Wood A. of F Division following the completion of 26 years of Approved Service he was to receive a pension of £104/5/9 per annum from the 26th April 1919.
A Public Appreciation Of Thanks.
Published in the Hertfordshire Express and General Advertiser on Saturday the 10th May 1919 under the headline: Welwyn Police Sergeant Wood Retires – Police Sergeant Arthur Wood, who last week retired from the Herts. Police, joined the Force on April 27, 1893. Previously he had served in the 1st Coldstream Guards for three years. His first Police duty was at Watford; and he later served at Ware, Hare-street, Buntingford, Haultwick, Little Munden, Bennington, Sawbridgeworth, Bayford and Welwyn. On the outbreak of the South African War, lie was called to the Colours, joining his Battalion in the 1st Division South African Field Force, under Lord Methuen, at Modder River. He also took part in engagements at Magersfontein and. Poplar Grove and was in other minor actions at Bloemfontein. He contracted rheumatic fever, and was later ill with enteric fever, being invalided home. On recovery he resumed his police duties. During his 26 years’ Police experience, Sergeant Wood has been most zealous and painstaking. He has several times been highly complimented by the justices for his smartness and tact in bringing wrongdoers to justice. During his ten years’ stay at Welwyn be has been esteemed by the inhabitants of Welwyn and district, who much regret his resignation on completion of service. It is hoped he will for many years enjoy his well-earned pension.
General Order 118 of the 17th May 1919 instructed that PS 172 Wood A. of F Division should be deleted from the list of those Officers receiving Cycle Allowance from the 26th April 1919.
Published in the Hertfordshire Express and General Advertiser on Saturday the 22nd November 1919 under the headline: Testimonial To Ex-Sergeant A. Wood – At the conclusion of the Sessions on Friday last week, the chairman (Mr. J. H. L. Deards), on behalf of the residents of Welwyn and the district presented ex-Sergeant Wood with a testimonial and a purse containing £37, as a mark of the esteem and respect in which Mr. Wood was held during his period of service in Welwyn. Mr. Deards said Mr. Wood had already been thanked by the Bench for his services during the ten years he had been stationed at Welwyn. The testimonial revealed a list of 106 names. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Deards, the other magistrates and the subscribers for their gift. He acknowledged the great assistance he had received from the Special Constables during the war. He had, he said, found that the inhabitants of the Welwyn petty sessional district were always ready and willing to assist him in his duties as Police Sergeant.
In the census of 1921 Arthur, Elizabeth and their four children are recorded as living at Beckett Hall, Welwyn. Arthur stated that he was retired.
Arthur Wood of Trepani, Watton Road, Knebworth died on the 18th December 1928 and is buried at St. Martin, Knebworth.
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