Arthur was educated at Church School, Cheshire. He was a Shipyard Striker by trade but enlisted on 22nd July 1906. He served one year with the Colours and then joined the Reserve. Arthur was called up on the outbreak of war and entered the war in France on 25th August 1914, attached to No 11 General Hospital. He was killed by a bomb during an enemy air raid, whilst attached to No 26 General Hospital. Arthur was the son of the late Owen Bartley and Ellen Bartley; and the husband of Annie Bartley (daughter of Peter Clarke) of Heatherbrae Cottage, Heswall, Cheshire - married at Heswall Parish Church, co. Cheshire on 13th August 1914. They had one son.