Many thanks for the replies Tony and Angela.
Yes, in 1939 there is an Arthur J Walkden registered in the Luton & Dunstable hospital. His birth date is shown as 15 May 1894.
However I have copy of birth cert showing date as 15 May 1896.
This is such a strange coincidence that I am assuming it is the same person.
He had three sisters and two brothers. I feel there must be people in the area who know something of this man. Where are they?