Arthur began his military career upon leaving Wrekin, joining the Territorial Army (TA). With the outbreak of war in August 1939, he was mobilised and subsequently deployed to France following the declaration of hostilities.

Injury and Recovery

During the Dunkirk retreat, Arthur sustained a severe injury to his right arm. Medical staff initially believed that this injury would end his active service. However, thanks to the exceptional skill of surgeons at a hospital in Oxford, alongside Arthur’s remarkable determination and perseverance, he made a full recovery. By 1942  he successfully passed his medical board and was deemed fit for duty once more.

Active Service in World War II

Following his recovery, Arthur was deployed with an anti-tank regiment. He was among the first to land in North Africa, where he experienced intense combat in the Western desert and continued fighting into Tunisia. After the North African campaigns, his regiment participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily and advanced up the length of Italy during the Italian Campaign, where he ultimately lost his life. The regiment later arrived in Austria, witnessing the end of the war in Europe in May 1945.

Arthur is one of two OWs to lie in the Sangro River War Cemetery, Torino di Sangro in Italy.

Elder son of Lt-Col. Arthur Hibbert, DSO, MC, JP, & Laura Hibbert of Millom, Cumberland.

A copy of Arthur's story is available for download here.

Revised: November 2025