Arthur Petty was at work when he received a message to contact John Thompson as soon as possible.

Like most of the workpeople in Barnoldswick, Arthur was a cotton weaver. In his spare time he was the Sergeant and Honorary Secretary of the local St. John’s Ambulance Brigade Branch.

The message was not expected. He was one of the fifteen members who had volunteered for the Naval Sick Berth Reserve, and they had all been notified by telegram from “Chief Firstaid” to hold themselves ready for immediate call – up.

As senior N.C.O. Arthur was put in charge of the party which was to report to H.M.S. Pembroke at Chatham. John Thompson handed him the orders and railway travel warrant.