William Richardson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Henry Richardson and Ann Markham married in Retford in 1888 and had four children before Henry died in 1897 aged 32. The four children were, Hetty, Jane, William and Frank. In 1899, Ann had a child named Frederick Welch Richardson who would have been fathered by Frederick Welch who married Ann Richardson the following year. In 1901, Frederick Welch was working as a labourer in the local India Rubber works and was resident with his new wife and her four children at 25 Poplar Street, Ordsall. Their first child, Edward died in infancy but had Ernest and Thomas shortly after. In 1911. Frederick Welch was recorded as being a boarder at Union Street in Retford whilst Ann and the children were at 63 Albert Road, Retford. William Richardson, who was shortly to enlist, was now 19 years of age and was employed as a labourer in the rubber works.
William enlisted in the Lincolnshire Regiment at Retford on the 1st September 1914, signing for a three year period. After his training he was sent to France on 1st March 1916 and was killed in action just over a year later. He is buried in the Heudicourt Communal Cemetery Extension (grave ref A.8). Private William Richardson Retford Times 15 June 1917 Last week we briefly announced the death of Pte William Richardson, Lincolns, who was killed in action in France on April 28th. He was the eldest son of Mrs Richardson, widow of the late Mr Harry Richardson 63 Albert Road, Retford. The deceased, who had been in France sixteen months, was 25 years of age. He was years ago in the employ of the late Mr H Broadbery, provision merchant, Bridegate and upon giving up business went into the employ of the Northern Rubber Co. He joined the Army in September 1914. The captain of his company wrote as under to Mrs Richardson, “It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death of your son. He was killed on April 28th by a shell. He was nicely buried and a cross was put up to mark the place. His grave has been registered. He always showed himself to be a good soldier carrying out his duties with the greatest steadiness and courage. Please accept my sincerest sympathy in your great trouble.
Ordsall St Albans parish magazine, June 1917, Roll of Honour: 'During May this parish has lost three young soldiers: Sergeant Weightman, Corporal W Ingall and Private W Richardson. Corporal Ingall was a valuable member of St Alban’s Football Eleven. To their relatives and friends we offer our deep sympathy.' (Retford Local Studies Library, ref 942.52 ORD) CWG additional information:- Son of Mrs. A. Welch, of 63, Albert Rd., Retford, Notts Research by Colin Dannatt
