Military Career of William Arthur Norris (b.1883)

When one finds an ancestor who has voluntarily joined the Military there is always the hope that their is an accompanying story of heroism and endeavour to uncover. The reality is often very different and rather more mundane ...

William Arthur Norris (born c 1883) was a son of Jacob Norris, a brother of my Great Grandfather Herbert George Norris.

In January 1902 William Arthur Norris joined the Lancers of the Line and the Cavalry of the British Army. He took his oath of loyalty in London on January 20th and, having been pronounced physically fit, was given the service number 5606,

William Arthur's Service Record provides us with the following information ...

It tells us that he was born in Vauxhall, London, Surrey; that his age upon entry was 18 years, 11 months and that his occupation was as a printer. The Service Record also indicates that he had previously been living with his father and that he had neither been an apprentice or in prison.

His height is given as 5 feet 7 and 3/4 inches, weight 136 lbs and chest 34-36 inches
His complexion is described as sallow, his hair brown and his eyes blue.One distinguishing mark is identified - a blue mark on the left forearm.

William Arthur's religion is given as Church of England

On the 22nd of January William Arthur was posted to the 12th Lancers and joined his unit in Ballincollig, in Ireland, on the 24th. His service lasted just 57 days. On 17th of March 1902 he was discharged "as not likely to become an efficient soldier"

At the back of his Service Record we find a note of his next of kin. His father Jacob Norris is mentioned first, and his address is given as C/o Mr Reed's Yard, Mill Street Bermondsey. Then three older brothers are mentioned. The first is Sam Norris - address unknown ...! An exciting find as this is the first time we have come across him and so appears to be one of the two children of Jacob & Elizabeth that we had hitherto not been able to find! The other two brothers mentioned are Frederick Norris of 18, Neckenger St, Bermondsey, and Albert George Norris of 24(?) Long Lane, Bermondsey.