Desert rat Arthur was an 'excellent comrade'
A DECORATED war hero who fought against the Germans in Africa has died aged 92.
Arthur Wall, a sergeant in the 7th battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment, served under Field Marshal Montgomery as a ‘desert rat’ during the Second World War.
Mr Wall died peacefully in his sleep at the weekend and will be cremated next week.
His family described him as a ‘private man’ but military figures paid tribute to an ‘excellent comrade’ who will be ‘missed terribly’.
Mr Wall was born on April 3, 1919, and lived in Burton most his life, latterly in Oak Street and Stretton.
He was made an honorary member of the Burton branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association in 1992.
Branch secretary Mick Teasel said: “Arthur was an excellent comrade who will be missed terribly.
“He used to come to branch meetings and everyone appreciated seeing him.
“He was a great personality and will be greatly missed by all.”
During his Army life between 1939 and 1946, Mr Wall was awarded the 1939 to 1945 Star award, the Burma Star, the Medal for Defence and the Territorial Army medal.
His tours of duties included East Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Burma.
Mr Wall was latterly part of a special task force preparing for an allied invasion of Japan which never materialised.
He was a widower whose wife Betty died some years earlier.
Mr Wall last made news in 2005 when he was officially presented with his collection of war medals — 60 years overdue.
The former sergeant was presented with replica medals after his originals were lost in the post when they were dispatched by the Ministry of Defence in the 1940s.
Mr Wall’s funeral will be held at Bretby Crematorium at 3pm on February 14.
Standard bearers will flank the coffin and military figures from across Britain are expected to attend.
