Main CPGW Record
Surname: WARD
Forename(s): Richard Croft
Place of Birth: Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire
Service No: 147231
Rank: Pioneer
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Engineers
Battalion / Unit: 5th Battalion Special Brigade
Division: ---
Age: 22
Date of Death: 1916-04-25
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Plot C. Row 3. Grave 17.
CWGC Cemetery: CALAIS SOUTHERN CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial(s): Not Listed (View Names Not Listed on a Local War Memorial)
Additional Information:
Richard Croft Ward was the son of William and Hannah Ward, née Parker. William was born at Barden near Bolton Abbey and Hannah at Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire. Richard was the cousin of Private Frederick Ward (4701) (q.v.).
1901 Linby, Nottinghamshire Census: Booths Cottage - Richard C. Ward, aged 6 years, born Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire, son of William and Hannah Ward.
1911 Womersley, Yorkshire Census: Woodmans Cottage - Richard Croft Ward, aged 16 years, born Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire, son of William and Hannah Ward.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Richard C. Ward, 2047, H.L.I.; 147231, R.E. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 13.5.15. Died Acc. 25.4.16.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pnr Richard C. Ward, 2047, Highland L. I.; 147231, Royal Engineers.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pioneer Richard Croft Ward, 147231, 5th (Mortar) Battn Spcl Brig: R.E. Date and Place of Death: 25.4.16. Bures (accident). To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Father - William. £11 4s. 1d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Richard.
The ‘In Memoriam’ (see ‘Craven Herald’ (27 April 1917)) was from his Sister, Frances Mary and Brother-in-law, Fred Hepworth.
Richard is commemorated on St. Peter's Church War Memorial, Arthington; he is also commemorated on the Womersley War Memorial (see comments below from Graham John Sykes).
Data Source: Craven Herald Article
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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---
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Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Engineers
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
27 April 1917
WARD – In loving memory of Pioneer Richard C. Ward who was killed in France
April 25th 1916.
Sleep on, dear brother, in a foreign grave,
Your life for your country you nobly gave;
No friends stood near to say good-bye,
But safe in God’s keeping you now lie.
The shock was great, the blow severe,
We little thought his death so near;
Only those who have lost are able to tell,
The pain that is felt at not saying farewell.
From his Sister and Brother-in-law, Higher Park, Salterforth.
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Richard Croft Ward is also commemorated on the War Memorial located in the Memorial Garden adjacent to St. Martin’s Church, Womersley.