Main CPGW Record
Surname: RICHARDSON
Forename(s): John Harold
Place of Birth: Earby, Yorkshire
Service No: 14857
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry)
Battalion / Unit: 9th (Service) Battalion
Division: 21st Division
Age: 19
Date of Death: 1915-09-27
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Panel 97 and 98.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
John Harold Richardson was the son of John and Mary Richardson, née Brunskill. John, senior, was born Dufton, Westmorland, c. 1869 and Mary at Sedbergh, Yorkshire, c. 1869. They were married in 1889. Mary died in 1900; John then married Elizabeth Bell in the same year.
1911 Glossop, Derbyshire Census: 9, Mill Street - Harold Richardson, aged 14 years, born Earby, Yorkshire. Adopted son of Peter and Mary Keelan. [In 1911 John Harold's father was living at 27, Green End Avenue, Earby.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte John Richardson, 14857, York. L. I. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Qualifying date [for 1914-15 Star]: 11.9.15. K. in A.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte John Richardson, 14857, 9th Yorks. L. I. K. in A. 27.9.15.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte John Richardson, 14857, 9/K.O.Y.L.I. Date and Place of Death: 27.9.15. In action. To whom Authorised: Foster Mother Sole Legatee Mrs Mary Ann Dodgson. Amount Authorised: £5 2s. 3d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for John. Name(s) on card(s): 1st Dependant: Foster-mother, Mrs Mary Ann Dodgson, 96, Napier Street, Nelson. 2nd Dependant: Foster-mother, Mrs Bridget Mary Keelan, 10, Chapel Street, Glossop.
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
Data Source: Local War Memorial
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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---
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Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 21st Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
15 October 1915
EARBY MAN KILLED IN ACTION
News has been received that Private John Harold Richardson, 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action in France on October 3rd. The information has been conveyed to relatives by the Rev. E. W. Crosland, chaplain.
Private Richardson, who was only nineteen years of age, was the son of the late Mr. John Richardson, of 27, Green End Avenue, Earby. Prior to enlistment he resided with friends at Nelson, and at one time was employed as a twister by Messrs. R. Nutter, of Sough Bridge, and Earby.
A rumour gained currency that Private Richardson had gained the D.C.M., but it turned out that this distinction had fallen to a Nelson private named James Henry Richardson, belonging to the same regiment but attached to the 179th Company of the Royal Engineers. The act which gained this high recognition was performed on August 28th, whereas Private John Harold Richardson spent a portion of his leave at Earby in the first week in September.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
15 October 1915
EARBY D.C.M.
A similarity of initials has led to confusion in regard to the award of the D.C.M. to Private J.H. Richardson, of Earby, since reported killed. His full name is John Harold Richardson, and he spent a portion of his final leave at Earby in the first week of September, while the deed for which he was reported to have gained high recognition was performed on August 26th. It turns out that the man thus honoured is a Nelson private, named James Henry Richardson, belonging the same regiment, the K.O.Y.L.I., but who is attached to the 179th Company Royal Engineers.
The report of the death of Pte. Richardson (of Earby) is confirmed by a letter of condolence received by Mrs. Dodgson, 96 Napier Street, Nelson, from Rev. E.W. Crosland, chaplain to the regiment, to whom Richardson acted as orderly.
15 October 1915
EARBY SOLDIER’S D.C.M.
Since Reported Killed
There is a tragic sequel to the bestowal of the Distinguished Conduct Medal on Private H. Richardson, 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorks Light Infantry, which was announced in Monday’s official list as having been awarded.
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at La Boiselle on 26th August 1915, a Corporal and a Private had been overcome by gas at the bottom of a mine. An Officer rescued one and then called for volunteers to rescue the other. Private Richardson, although no safety apparatus was available, at once went down the mine and succeeded in bringing up the other man.”
Private Richardson, who was only 19 years of age, was the son of the late Mr. John Richardson, of 27 Green End Avenue, Earby. He has since been unofficially reported killed in action in France on October 3rd. The news came from the chaplain of the regiment to friends at Nelson, with whom Private Richardson has been living prior to enlistment. He was formerly employed as a twister at Messrs. R. Nutter and Sons, Sough Bridge, and Earby.
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