Arthur was the fourth son of George and Ann Horsler of Great Bramingham who had seven sons serving on the Western Front. Three brothers, including Arthur, were killed and two were wounded.

Arthur joined the army in February 1917 and served in France and Italy with the 20th Manchesters. He returned to France in July 1918 and was killed on 4th October 1918 whilst acting as a stretcher bearer. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis en Artois memorial. His name also appears on the Sundon Village memorial in Bedfordshire.