Delhi Memorial (India Gate)

Notice of Death appears in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 19 May 1919


Commemorated on Old Boys of St James' Company Boys Brigade Memorial

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 19 May 1919

The Fighting on the Afghan Frontier - Jerseyman Dies of Wounds. In the fighting which has taken place recently on the Afghan frontier Private A H Bennett, who was serving with the 2nd Somerset Light Infantry, was severely wounded. The soldier was removed to the Station Hospital at Peshawar and though everything possible was done he passed away on 27 April. The deceased, who was in his 24th year, was the youngest son of Mr John Bennett whose family reside at 61 Great Union Road. His many friends in the Island will regret to hear of his untimely decease and to these and other relatives we would extend our sincere sympathy.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record

 

Private Arthur Henry Bennett
Somerset Light Infantry
27/04/1919

Fourth son of Mr John Bennett formerly of 61 Great Union Road, St Helier, Jersey.

Died of wounds, aged 24 years

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 9 June 1919

A Gallant Jersey Soldier Murdered by Dacoits. The news has been received in the Island of the death by gunshot wounds of Private Arthur Bennett of the 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. His Company Officer writing to the relatives states that the soldier after showing great gallantry was killed by Dacoits under the following circumstances. He was stationed at Peshawar and about 3 o'clock on the morning of 27 April Private Bennett was awakened from his sleep and saw a gang of thieves stealing the kit of a comrade who was on guard. He jumped from his bed and gave single-handed chase to this gang of armed men. He caught them up and struck one of the men with his fist where upon one of the other Dacoits turned on him and fired several shots, the soldier being wounded in two places. The injured man managed to crawl back to the bungalow where his comrades bandaged him up and took him to the hospital in an ambulance. He received all the attention possible from the medical staff and the Company Officer states he arrived about 8am and remained with Private Bennett until he passed away about 11 o'clock. All through, though in full possession of his senses, he made no word of complaint and laughed and joked with those who attended him. A very impressive funeral took place at 6 o'clock the same evening when the greater part of the Somersets paraded together with all the deceased's friends who carried some 24 floral tributes. One and all felt that they had suffered a personal loss. The Company Officer in concluding states that Private Bennett was a good soldier, much respected by all ranks. The deceased was the younger son of Mr J Bennett of Birmingham, formerly of Jersey, and brother of Mr W S Bennett of 39 Bath Street.