Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Bishop, an engineer’s labourer, born 1845 in Leicester and his wife Julia Eliza Bishop (nee Hallett, married in the 1st quarter of 1867 in the Leicester district), born 1847 in Kensington, Middlesex. Arthur Charles was born in the 4th quarter of 1889 in Leicester, his siblings were, George Henry Ernest, a shoe trade laster, born 21st December 1870, Emily Ann, a hosiery trade worsted knitter, born in the 4th quarter of 1872, Alice, a shoe trade worker, born in the 4th quarter of 1875, Thomas, a schoolboy, born 15th November 1883 and Nellie, born 10th November 1887, all his siblings were born in Leicester, in April 1891 the family home was at 9, Gerrard Street, Leicester. In March 1901 Arthur was residing in the family home at 9, Gerrard Street, Leicester, together with his father, a stationary engine foundry stoker, his mother and siblings, Emily, a hosiery trade yarn worker, Alice, a card board box maker, Thomas , a shoe trade pressman and Nellie, a hosiery trade worker. On the 11th April 1908 Arthur’s mother died, aged 62. In April 1911 Arthur was employed as a shoe trade pressman and was residing in the family home at 128, Tudor Road, Leicester, together with his widowed father, a stoker and his siblings, Emily, a hosiery trade worsted knitter, Alice Cave, a card board box trade forewoman and her husband, Albert Edward Cave, a shoe trade finisher, born 1873 in Northampton. On the 21st October 1911, Arthur married Kate Sewards in St. Paul’s Church, Leicester, Kate was born on the 14th December 1887. In the 1st quarter of 1922 Arthur’s widow married Ernest Riley in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district. Arthur’s older brother Thomas fell in action on the 9th September 1915.
Arthur’s Army enlistment documents do not survive, all that is known of his military service is that he enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment, being allotted the service number 4765, and was posted as a Private to the 3/5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, he was subsequently posted to the 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment and allotted the service number G/15037 and with this unit he attained the rank of Lance Corporal, it is not known when he first entered the theatre of war in France, but it would have been after the 31st December 1915. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The War Diary records: 31 Jul-17 – HILL TOP. Fairly light night. Bombardment continued till 1 hour before Zero. All received hot meals and ready for attack by 2:00am Barrage and attack commenced at 3:50am. Hostile Barrage opened on front line and BILGE TRENCH 1 hour before. Attack progressed well. Yellow, Red and Blue lines being taken with few casualties. Battalion Headquarters moved into German second line in dug-outs. During the afternoon 2 Companies moved up into close support of 1/4th HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Black Line in anticipation of counter-attacks. Nothing happened. Enemy shelling persisted all night. 2nd Lieutenant W. J. COLLYER killed. 2nd Lieutenant S. W. TICE, Acting Captain C. ALLEN wounded about 150 casualties amongst other ranks. Battle still continuing.