Richards, Matthew
35979 Gunner, 3a Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery
born 1868 in Scotter
son of Henry (a farmer from Scotterthorpe) and Ellen (nee Bayes of Willingham by Stow)
family lived on Sands Lane
Served his blacksmith apprenticeship in Corringham
there he met and married Sarah Jane Paulger on 1st December 1896
lived and worked in Gainsborough as a blacksmith journeyman
Enlisted 10th April 1899 as 34632 Gunner, Royal Field Artillery
A Wesleyan
5 foot 6 and a half inches tall, 8 stone 13 lbs, dark brown eyes, black hair
Served in South Africa during the Boer War
Moved his family to live at 14 Barrack Road, Leeds
In 1900 had 3 fingers amputated due to:-
‘accident when not on duty...his right hand jammed between the gun and wheels going into action'
after this he became a shoeing smith
Promoted to Corporal in 1903
Also served in India for 5 years and 9 months
Wife Sarah died of pneumonia on 22nd June 1907
Daughter Frances Ellen lived at 71 Victoria Street, Batley with his sister
Dinah and her husband Herbert Coldwell
After completing 12 years service he joined the 13th Reserve Battery
In 1911 working as a warehouse labourer and lodging with daughter Frances at 71 Victoria Street, Batley - the Coldwell's family home
Re-enlisted into his old regiment on 25th September 1914
Discharged 29th July 1916 as a result of sickness and received Silver War Badge 203164
Started to receive his war pension on 6th December 1916
Worked as a blacksmith in Lincoln
Lived at 95 Cannon Street, Lincoln with widow and munitions worker Helena Louise Howard
Married her on 16th June 1917 at Lincoln Registry Office
Brother of Joe (South face)