Arthur enlisted on 13th September 1915. He was 19 years and 333 days old, and was a shop manager by trade. He embarked at Devonport on 25th December 1916 with No 15 Reinforcements, then arrived in Bashra on 31st March 1917. On 25th August 1917 he was posted to serve with the River Streamer Convoy unit, and remained with them throughout the rest of the war. He was posted to Class Z Army Reserve on 30th November 1919.