Arnold was descended from a family which had been settled for many generations in Lowestoft, and was, in 1718, first lieutenant of HMS Superb.
He distinguished himself in the battle of Cape Passaro on 11 August 1718 by heading the boarders and carrying the Spanish flagship, the Real Felipe, and in this service he was severely wounded, and lost the use of one arm.
[1] On his return to England he retired from active service and settled at Lowestoft, where he died on 31 August 1737.
A monument in Lowestoft church still keeps alive his memory, which, throughout the last century, was further distinguished by a local custom now obsolete.
The colours belonging to the Royal Philip taken by Lieutenant Arnold have frequently been made use of upon these occasions.