Arthur enlisted on 3rd July 1911. He was 19 years and 6 months old; was an Insurance Agent by trade; and had previously served the 1st Wessex Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., Territorial Force. He entered the war in France on 13th September 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 2nd Brigade. Royal Field Artillery. On 12th October 1914 he gained promotion to the rank of Corporal, then he gained further promotion to the rank of Serjeant on 15th March 1915. He was discharged on 8th January 1919 due to sickness.