Arnold Bentham was born in Lancashire on 1st November 1889, the eldest son of Richard and Hannah Bentham of Alma House, Melton. In 1911, Arnold was working as a commercial clerk for a box-maker. After war began, he was employed by St Audry’s as a storeman.

In March 1916, when conscription was introduced, Arnold was deemed to have enlisted and was called up for service on 23rd June 1917. He was then declared unfit for overseas service and posted to join the 383rd Employment Company, part of the Labour Corps. He was transferred to the 584th Home Service Employment Company first at Bedford and then to Dover. He ended the war in Dover with the 583rd (HS) Emp Coy.

Arnold was discharged from the services on 12th December 1919. In 1939, Arnold was living with his parents and younger brothers in Alma House. He was working as a clerk to a motor engineer. At the time of his death in 1963, Arnold was living in Alma Cottage which adjoins Alma House.

As Arnold did not serve overseas, he did not qualify to receive any medals.