In the 1930’s Arthur was already a soldier serving with the 3^rd Light Battery, Royal Artillery. He would complete 5 years 9 months service during this era. In 1935 he was posted on the North West Frontier which was then the border of the British Raj in India. It is today the Pakistan, Afghanistan border area. In August 1935 Arthur took part in the Mohmand Operation which involved British Forces fighting the Mohmand tribes. This conflict lasted from August to October and during the fighting Arthur was awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field of conflict.

At some point after this event Arthur left the army, and began working at Grassmoor Colliery. He lived at 27 Green Lane, New Tupton with one of his brothers. His father was living on Ward street at this time.

In August 1939 at the start of WW2, being a former soldier, Arthur was recalled and posted to the 18^th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. This unit was part of the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) which was sent to France in 1939.

When the Germans invaded France & Belgium in May 1940 the 18^th Field Regiment R.A was part of the 48^th Division, 1^st Corps. During the retreat to Dunkirk, the 48^th Division was tasked with holding the perimeter to allow the rest of the B.E.F. to escape during the Navy evacuation. On the 28^th May Arthur was killed on the Belgium/France border holding the line. He is buried at the Adinkirke Military Cemetery, Belgium, which is approximately 5 miles from Dunkirk.