Regimental Sergeant Major Arthur Stevenson was born in Newark, Nottinghamshire in 1889. He enlisted into The Lancashire Fusiliers at Newark on the 10th July 1907. Three days later, he transferred to the The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire)  Regiment and was posted to the 2nd Battalion.  

He was promoted to Corporal on the 4th January 1912 and Sergeant on the 8th August 1914. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from the 8th September 1914. On the 21st October 1914, Arthur was wounded by a gunshot to the left forearm and returned to England on the 28th October 1914. He was appointed Acting Sergeant Instructor, Army Gym Staff on the 15th January 1916 and was advanced to Company Sergeant Major Instructor.  

Arthur returned to France on the 2nd November 1918 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for Home Service at the end of the Great War. On the 12th March 1913, he returned to The Sherwood Foresters as Physical training Staff. He was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal together with a gratuity per Army Order 136 of April 1926 and was promoted to Warrant Officer Class I. On the 2nd January 1928, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major. 

On the 30th March 1934, he was discharged after 26 years and 264 days of service.