Private Arthur Henry Webb
Arthur Henry Webb was born on 26 December 1889 at Darwen, Lancashire, one of three children of soldier Joseph Oliver Webb and his wife Susannah Rolfe (née Newsham). His father, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, served 14 years with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, reaching the rank of colour sergeant. His grandfather, too, was a professional soldier, serving 21 years with the 30th Regiment of Foot, including in the Crimea. By the time of the 1911 Census, Arthur was living with his parents at 45 Nora Street, Barrowford, Lancashire, and working as a theatrical musician.
Webb enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Newcastle, County Down, on 12 June 1914 (No.952). He stated that he had previously served in the 2nd West Lancashire Royal Field Artillery Territorials. He was probably posted to the regimental band.
Webb was mobilised on the outbreak of war, but it was soon found that he was suffering from myopia (nearsightedness). On 18 September 1914 he was discharged as unfit for further military service (paragraph 154(xi)(a) Special Reserve Regulations). His military conduct was recorded as 'very good'.