Coldstream Guards, Service no. 25032
Born: 18th December 1898. Died: April 1997
Story
Arthur was the son of Arthur Dickinson and Ada Farrar. His grandmother was Mary Farrar (née Newell, 1840-1934) pictured below, who for many years held the title of oldest person in Kippax, which entitled her to an annual prize at the Kippax Old Folks’ Treat Day. Arthur Dickinson was a Pony Driver at the colliery before the War, he was 5 ft 7½ inches tall, and was living at 45 East View, Robinson Lane, when he enlisted on 20th September 1916, aged 17 years and 9 months. As Arthur had stated his proper date of birth, he stayed in England training, until he was posted 29th April 1918. On 26th October 1918, Arthur obtained a 1st class proficiency certificate in operating a Lewis gun. It was noted on his army record, that he suffered from a heart complaint.
After the War, George married Annie Summersgill in Kippax on 1st September 1935. The couple moved to Main Street, Tadcaster, where Arthur had resumed work as a coal miner.
Like his grandmother, Arthur enjoyed a long life, and even surpassed her longevity. He passed away in York, aged 98, and was Kippax’s last First World War veteran.
Below: A First World War recruiting Poster for the Coldstream Guards.
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