Main CPGW Record
Surname: TOWNSON
Forename(s): Richard
Place of Birth: Earby, Yorkshire
Service No: 270392
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 16th (Service) Battalion. (2nd Edinburgh)
Division: 34th Division
Age: ---
Date of Death: 1917-10-22
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: XXXIX. B. 20.
CWGC Cemetery: POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Richard Townson was the son of Richard and Jane Townson, née Walker and brother of Driver Thomas Townson (961696) (q.v.). Their father was born at Morecambe, Lancashire and mother at Leeds, Yorkshire.
1891 Earby, Yorkshire Census: Back Prospect: Richard Townend [sic], aged 1 month, born Thornton [Thornton-in-Craven Parish], Yorkshire, son of Richard and Jane Townend.
1901 Earby, Yorkshire Census: Colne Road - Richard Townson, aged 10 years, born Earby, son of Richard and Jane Townson.
1911 Earby, Yorkshire Census: Station View, Colne Road - Richard Townson, aged 20 years, born Earby, son of Richard and Jane Townson.
Richard was married to Amy Procter at Thornton-in-Craven on the 31 August 1912.
The British Army Service Record for Richard Townson exists but may be incomplete.
Richard is commemorated in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh.
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: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---
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Private Richard TOWNSON
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 34th Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
30 November 1917
EARBY – MISSING
Pte. Richard Townson (Royal Scots) has been officially reported missing since October 22nd after being six months on the Western Front. He is the elder son of Mrs. Rd. Townson, 5, Waddington Street, whose other son (Pte. Tom Townson) was killed on October 9th. His wife and two children reside at 9, Brook Street, Earby.
30 May 1919
EARBY FAMILY’S DOUBLE LOSS
Confirmation of the worst fears in regard to the fate of Pte. Richard Townson, Royal Scots, has been received in a communication from the War Office, stating that his death is presumed to have taken place on October 22nd 1917, or since. Pte. Townson had previously been reported missing since that date. He was 27 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children, residing at 9 Brook Street, Earby. He went out to France four months prior to the date mentioned. His brother, Gunner Tom Townson, R.F.A., was killed in action on October 9th of the same year. They were the sons of the late Richard Townson (who died January 4th 1916) and of Mrs. Townson, 5 Waddington Street, Earby.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
30 November 1917
EARBY
A MISSING SOLDIER
Pte. Richard Townson (Royal Scots), has been officially reported missing since October 22nd, after being six months on the Western front. He is the elder son of Mrs. Rd. Townson, 5, Waddington Street, whose other son (Pte. Tom Townson), was killed on October 9th. His wife and two children reside at 9, Brook Street, Earby.
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