Arthur was educated at St. Peter’s Day School and was a member of that church’s Sunday school. He enlisted in October 1914, and was employed at Grey’s Mill at the time. He entered the war in Egypt on 11th August 1915. He was onboard H.M. Transport Ship 'Royal Edward' when it was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-14. He was the son of Alfred Edwin and Annie Altham of 28 Cromwell Street, Stoneyholme, Burnley.