Arthur Herbert Procter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Reverend
Arthur Herbert Procter
VC
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| Born | 11 August 1890 Bootle, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 27 January 1973 (aged 82) Sheffield, Yorkshire, England |
| Buried |
Sheffield Cathedral
(cremated at City Road Cemetery in Sheffield) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 (Army) 1941–1946 (Air Force) |
| Rank | Private (Army) Squadron leader (Air Force) |
| Unit | The King's (Liverpool) Regiment RAF Chaplains Department |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Arthur Herbert Procter was a brave English soldier who received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for courage a British or Commonwealth soldier can get when facing the enemy. Arthur Procter was born on August 11, 1890, and passed away on January 27, 1973.
Contents
Arthur Procter's Early Life
Arthur Herbert Procter was born in 1890. His parents were Arthur Richard Procter and Ellen Cumpsty. He went to school in Port Sunlight and Exeter. Before becoming a soldier, he worked as a clerk. He sold food items from 1904 until 1914. In November 1914, the First World War began. Arthur decided to join the King's Liverpool Regiment.
In 1917, Arthur Procter married Hilda Codd in Birkenhead. They had three sons together.
A Heroic Act: The Victoria Cross
Arthur Procter was 25 years old during the First World War. He was a private in the King's Regiment (Liverpool). This regiment was part of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division. He earned the Victoria Cross for an incredibly brave act.
What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers who show amazing courage. This courage must be shown when facing the enemy. It is a very special medal.
Arthur Procter's Bravery in France
On June 4, 1916, Arthur Procter was near Ficheux, France. He saw two wounded soldiers. They were lying in the open, very close to the enemy. They were only about 15 yards from the trenches. Arthur immediately decided to help them.
Even though the enemy was shooting heavily, he went out alone. He ran and crawled to the two injured men. He managed to get them to a small bank for cover. There, he treated their wounds. He promised them that help would come after dark. He also left them some warm clothes. Then, he returned to his own trenches. The enemy was still shooting at him. Later that evening, the two wounded men were safely rescued.
Arthur Procter was the first British soldier to receive the Victoria Cross right on the battlefield.
Life After the War
After the First World War ended in 1918, Arthur Procter left the army. He went back to working as a salesman until 1926. Then, he decided to study to become a priest for the Church of England. He studied at St Aidan's College, Birkenhead.
He became a deacon in 1927 and a priest in 1928. He worked at St Mary's Church in Prescot, Lancashire. From 1931 to 1933, he was the Vicar of Bosley. From 1933 to 1944, he was the Vicar of St Stephen's in Flowery Field, Hyde.
During the Second World War, Arthur Procter served again. He was a chaplain in the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1946. Chaplains provide spiritual support to soldiers.
After the Second World War, he continued his church work. He was Rector of St Mary, Droylsden, from 1946 to 1951. He was Vicar of Claybrooke with Wibtoft from 1951 to 1963. Then, he was Vicar of Bradworthy from 1963 to 1964.
After retiring, he lived in Shrewsbury in the late 1960s. He was a chaplain for the town's Royal British Legion branch. In 1966, he was one of seven Victoria Cross winners. They were invited to France to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. He later moved to Sheffield.
Arthur Herbert Procter passed away on January 27, 1973, in Sheffield. He was 82 years old. His ashes were buried in All Saints Chapel at Sheffield Cathedral.
His Lasting Legacy
There are special Blue plaques honoring Arthur Procter. These plaques were put up by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. You can find them at St Mary's Church in Droylsden and St Stephen's Church in Hyde.
His Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Museum of the King's Regiment in Liverpool, England.
