Henry George Richards

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

164331

Unit at enlistment:

84th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

November 2nd, 1916

Cemetery:

Vimy Memorial - Pas de Calais, France

Commemorated at:

Marlborough Street United Church

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Greater London

Birth city:

London

Address at enlistment:

276 Brock Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

276 Brock Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Labourer

Employer:

Ham and Nott Co.

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Circumstances of service: Killed

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Trenches South of Courcelette.

BX November 15, 1916

Private H. Richards Has Been Killed

That Private Henry George Richards had been killed in action on November 2, was the word received today by his mother, Mrs. Hanna Richards, 276 Brock Street. Private Richards went overseas with the 84th Battalion but on reaching England was transferred to the 73rd Highlanders. He formerly worked in the Ham & Nott factory. A brother is in the 215th bugle band.

Private Henry Richards Killed at Front – Former Member of Dufferin Rifles Bugle Band Gave Up Life

The already long list of Brantford heroes who have been killed in Europe in defence of King and Country had another name added to it today, the casualty lists this morning giving the name of Pte. Harry Richards of 115 West Mill Street, killed in action.

Harry Richards left Brantford on October 29, 1914 with the second contingent of 120 men and three officers from the Dufferin Rifles. Several months were spent in Toronto for further training before they proceeded overseas.

Before enlisting for overseas service, the deceased man had been connected with militia units for over seven years. He spent four years in the Princes of Wales’ Own West Yorkshires and three more years in the West Riding Regiment. He was a drummer in the Dufferin Rifles bugle band and is the first to be killed. Richards is a married man and was employed as a dyer previous to enlistment.

BX December 9, 1916

Private Richards Killed by Shell – Mrs. Harry Richards Receives Details of Death of Her Son

Mrs. Harry Richards, 276 Brock Street has received a letter telling of the manner in which her son, Pte. Harry George Richards, a former employee of Ham and Nott, and a member of the 84th, was killed. The letter follows:

November 13, 1916
France,

Dear Mrs. H. Richards,

I want to express my deepest sympathy to you in the death of your son Harry. He was killed by a shell in the front line trenches, on Nov. 1. Death was instantaneous, and so at least you have the comfort of knowing that your son suffered no pain. His body was buried just behind the front line. Harry was a fine soldier and always did his duty cheerfully. All the men of the platoon and myself were very fond of him. Major Brown joins with me in expressing to you our deep regret and sympathy in his loss. If there is anything you would care to know I hope you will write.

I remain yours sincerely.

Lt. Brian Simpson,

No. 5 Platoon