John Clinton Yaxley Arnold

This story and photos are shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Connections on the memorial are often through friendships or brothers. But this story shows a slightly different family connection. It is one of two stories, one for Leslie Birch and one for John Arnold, who were brothers-in-law linked by the marriage of Leslie Birch's sister, Irene, to John Arnold. Both would be killed in Normandy in 1944.

John Clinton Yaxley Arnold, known as Jack, was born in the 17 February 1916, the son of Horace & Minnie Maria Arnold (née Yaxley) who had married in the June quarter of 1909 at Kettering. We see the young couple on the 1911 census living in the home of Horace's parents at 47 Buccleuch Street, Kettering Northants, Kettering, Northamptonshire.

The first time we see Jack Arnold is on the 1921 census. Horace & Minnie Arnold’s family had grown and they were now living at 6, Shakespeare Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire with their four children, Olive, Jack, Horace and Harold.

In the March quarter of 1937, Jack marries Irene Maud Birch in Northampton and we see them living at 84 Colwyn Road, Northampton. He was employed in the Finishing Department in the Boot & Shoe Trade.

Irene & Jack Clinton Yaxley Arnold on their wedding day (Courtesy of francescacane)

 

On the 18th of April 1940 Jack was added to the Roll of the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, alongside a number of others who enlisted on the same day. So, Jack is in the thick of the fighting on D-Day, the same battle that Irene's brother, Leslie Claude Birch was fighting in. They were both killed, but on different days.

The British Army Casualty List tells us that he was Killed in Action on the 20th of August 1944 and the CWGC Graves Concentration Report Form tells us that he was probably killed at, or near, Montviette and buried there, probably on the day he died. Then, on the 19th of September 1945, he was reburied in the Banneville British Cemetery, where he now lies.

Jack’s probate leaves some questions as Irene Arnold is not mentioned and his effects went to the wife of Jack's uncle. "PROBATE - ARNOLD, John Clinton Yaxley of 3, Shakespear-road, Northampton died 20 August 1944 on war service. Administration (with Will) Llandudno 22 February 1945 to Clarissa Eleanor ARNOLD (wife of Harry Mark ARNOLD). Effects £91 11s 11d."

Jack and Irene had one child but she was adopted at a young age following the death of Jack.

Irene Arnold was to remarry in the June quarter of 1946 to Walter J.E. Bray in Brixworth, Northamptonshire. They were to be married for 31 years when Irene was to lose him in the September quarter of 1977 aged 56 years. In 1990, Irene Bray was to marry John Appleton.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Jack's brother-in-law, Leslie Claude Birch, was killed on the 6th June 1944 on the outskirts of Crépon. You can read his story here.