Arthur’s employment was as a chairmaker but he also became well known as a musician. He was a bandsman in the Bucks Militia and a member of both the Wycombe Town Band and the Wycombe Furniture Trades Band.

Arthur had been a member of the Bucks Militia for a number of years and in 1905 was awarded the Militia Medal. Following the outbreak of World War 1, at the age of 55, he enlisted in the Royal Defence Corps. He subsequently enjoyed a moment of fame when all his sons also enlisted. One newspaper described them as “all being incredibly brave”. The two youngest, Leonard, aged

Miraculously, all eight survived the conflict and returned home although Jim was gassed and later died of emphysema. Ellen was so pleased they had all returned that she presented her two daughters each with a watch. One of those watches was known to be still working and in the possession of her granddaughter 59 years later.

During the war Arthur served at Alexandra Palace, where he guarded German POWs and at Feltham where he became ill, was discharged, and sent home with cancer. He died after a three month illness on 27th June 1918.

Sergeant Arthur Lord was the last soldier in High Wycombe to be buried with full military honours (left). At the time of his death he and the family were living at 45 Totteridge Avenue, High Wycombe.

Ellen continued to live in Totteridge Avenue until her death in 1939 at the age of 80.