Lives of the First World War

9th August 1916

Richards death was reported in several newspapers in August 1916. He had served many years in the regular army, had been wounded twice and was home on furlough after being badly gassed by German gas. Whilst bathing in Clethorpes he had a seizure and was rescued by two petty navel officers. He later died in a military hospital. At the inquest it was said his heart had stopped 4 times. A verdict of death from myo carditus was returned. With the possibility of the gassing causing some damage to the heart. Information has been taken from the newspaper article in The Express and Advertiser. No journalists name was attributed to the article. Richard may not have fallen on the field, but his death was no doubt a result of injuries sustained. I feel sad that he is not remembered within the family, he has no direct descendants as he did not marry. Hopefully in time I will find other members of the family who may be able to tell me more about this brave young man. I have visited his grave, it has been adopted by a wonderful young man who attends to all the war graves in Blackburn Cemetery, Alan Taylor. The graves are tidy and show someone still cares. I hope in time to uncover more on Richards life. He is no longer forgotten and has family. RIP.

Created by: , Karen140198