Richard SHORROCK

07 April 1916

HELLIFIELD – HOME FRONT THE FRONT

Private R. Shorrock, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, arrived home on Saturday on a seven days’ leave. Pte. Shorrock, who is attached to the 9th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, joined the Army in August, 1914 and has been on active service in France since last July. He returns to London to-night (Friday) en route for the Front.

02 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – PRIVATE R. SHORROCK WOUNDED

We regret to hear that Pte. R. Shorrock, of the Duke of Wellington’s, has been seriously wounded. The information was received by Pte. Shorrock’s parents on February 21st in a telegram from the Infantry Records Office, York, which stated:– “We regret to report Pte. R. Shorrock, Duke of Wellington’s, dangerously ill with gunshot wound right arm. Cannot be visited, 23 Clearing Station, France.”

16 March 1917

SHORROCK – March 5th 1917, from wounds received in action in France, Pte. Richard Shorrock, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield, aged 21 years.

16 March 1917

HELLIFIELD HEROES' SUPREME SACRIFICE – PRIVATE R. SHORROCK

Another Hellifield soldier has sacrificed his life for his country in the person of Pte. Richard Shorrock, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield. Pte. Shorrock was reported wounded and dangerously ill on February 21st, and the sad news of his death on March 5th has now been received from the Infantry Records Office, York. Pte. Shorrock, who was 21 years of age, was formerly employed as farm servant by Mr. E. Phillip, Hellifield. He joined Kitchener’s Army in September 1914, and had been in France since July 1915. He was a Battalion runner for his Regiment, and letters received from his comrades testify that he was a good and daring soldier, and had once been recommended for the D.C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Shorrock’s two elder sons are also serving in the Army – Acting Quartermaster Sergeant James Shorrock with the Australian Forces at Wareham, and Sergeant William Shorrock in France with the Duke of Wellington’s.

30 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening at St. Aidan’s Church, a special memorial service was held in memory of Pte. Anthony Thompson, Pte. Richard Shorrock and Pte. Michael M. Curtis, who were reported killed a fortnight ago. A large congregation was present which included the 6th West Riding Cadets and the members of the V.T.C. The service was very impressive, special lessons being read and special hymns sung.

The Vicar (Rev. A. J. Whyte) delivered a very touching sermon, and in his disclosure he said all their sympathies went out to the bereaved families. These three men had given their lives for their country, so that others might enjoy freedom and right. Their lives had been one of self-sacrifice and devotion. At all times they had been reliable and honourable, thinking only of their comrades and duty, which was an example of their Christian lives. If these sacrifices enabled us to be uplifted in Christ and to live for others as well as ourselves, then the supreme sacrifice made by these brave men would not have been in vain.

The Dead March in ‘Saul’ was played by the organist, Miss D. Wilson, and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Master R. Bownass.

06 April 1917

HELLIFIELD – Officer's Tribute

The following letter had been received by Mr. W. Shorrock in regard to his son, the late Pte. R. Shorrock, whose death we reported three weeks ago:– “Dear Sir, – I wish to tender my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your son Richard, who died of wounds in hospital. He had been with his battalion since its formation, and was held in great esteem by everyone who knew him. The last twelve months he had been doing duty as battalion-runner, and had on various occasions to undertake many dangerous errands, which he performed with the usual cheerfulness and boldness which was characteristic of him. He was recommended for the Military Medal for delivering messages under heavy shellfire in August 1916, and has since been again recommended. It is a great blow to you that your son should meet his death at such an early age. There is consolation in knowing that he laid down his life for a noble cause. He gave his life for his country. G.P. Bennett, Lieut. & Adj. Duke of Wellington’s Regiment”

13 July 1917

HELLIFIELD – MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES

The following letter has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, of Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, whose son, the late Pte. R. Shorrock, died on March 5th from wounds received in action:–

War Office, Whitehall S.W., 3rd July 1917.

“Sir, – I have it in command from His Majesty the King to inform you, as next of kin, of the late Pte. Richard Shorrock, No. 13296, of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regt.), that this private was mentioned in a despatch from Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, dated 9th April 1917, and published in the second supplement to the ‘London Gazette’ dated 22nd May 1917, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. I am to express to you the King’s high appreciation of these services, and to add that His Majesty trusts that their public acknowledgment may be of some consolation in your bereavement. I have the honour to be your obedient servant. J.W.D. GRAHAM (Colonel) Assistant Military Secretary.”

01 March 1918

SHORROCK – In loving memory of Private R. Shorrock, West Riding Regiment, who died of wounds at Rouen on March 3rd, 1917.

Ever remembered by his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

26 November 1920

SHORROCK – In loving memory of two brothers, James and Richard Shorrock, who passed away Nov. 26th, 1919, and Mar. 3rd, 1917.

“Not my will but Thine be done.”

“Loved by all.”

6 L. & Y. Cottages, Hellifield.