Arthur joined the army at 22, on 23rd August 1898, giving his occupation as wood turner. He joined the Royal Artillery and was posted to Devenport. On being admitted to hospital for gonorrhea on 3rd October 1898, his right knee was found to be swollen – he had been kicked in the knee by a horse some years previously – and they diagnosed synovitis and discharged him on 30th January 1899. He must have rejoined at some point because his 1st WW medal card records that he was a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and landed in France on 12th January 1915. He was discharged with a silver war badge on 8th May 1919.