Richard Beal
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Richard Beal was born in 1896. He had an older brother, John Henry, whose parents were James and Fanny Beal. James was a shepherd by trade and in 1901 they were living in Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, the place of Richard’s birth. Ten years later, family was living in the Boston area, John Beal, still shepherding at Home Farm Boston and John Henry had acquired a job as an apprentice wheelwright, nearby. Richard was working as one of many servants working as domestics at Revesby Abbey, Boston. By 1915 Richard had moved to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. After the death of their son in 1916, a form dated 18/9/1917 with the “articles of personal property of Rifleman Beal to be sent to Mr James Beal, 38 Cresswell, Worksop” and later an army declaration form, dated 28/5/1919, was sent to James and Fanny Beal of the same address. Richard had possibly never been to Worksop, but as the parents were resident at the time, resulted in Richard’s name being included on the Worksop War Memorials. Records show that they moved out of the area shortly after.
On the 14th June 1915, Richard was attested at High Wycombe, declaring his next of kin was his mother, Fanny Beal, Holm Farm Cottages, nr Boston, Lincs, his occupation was a footman/valet and his address was Butlers Court, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire where he joined the Rifle Brigade. After 3 months training he embarked for France on the 20th Sept 1915. He is named on the Theipval Memorial, France.
CWG additional information:- Son of Mrs. Fanny Beal, of High St., Saxilby, Lincoln. Research by Colin Dannatt
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