Richard Simms
- Family History
- Military History
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Richard Simms was born in 1897 he was the son of John a plasterers labourer and Mary Ann Simms née Bath of 11 Club Street Sutton in Ashfield. John was born in 1860 Mary Ann Bath was born in 1862 both were born in Sutton in Ashfield they were married in 1880 and went on to have 19 children, sadly 10 died in infancy or early childhood. In 1911 the family were living at 38 Club Street, Sutton in Ashfield, John 51 yrs is a plasterers labourer he is living with his wife Mary Ann 50 yrs and 4 of their children, George is 18 yrs and a brick layers labourer and Richard is 14 yrs and is also a brick layers labourer.
Private Richard Simms, served with the 7th Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), he was killed in action on 14th October 1917. He is buried in Poelcapelle British Cemetery.
A comrade, Pte. Charles Hayes, wrote to his parents in Sutton-in-Ashfield with the news of his death the letter was published on 7th December 1917 in the Nottingham Free Press :- “Just a line from a pal of Richard to advise you that he has not returned from the line. It is with extreme regret I beg to prepare you for a very severe blow. Two or three of his colleagues vouch that he was killed in action. Probably you will receive official news in the near future. It is rather a painful task for me to have to send you such very bad tidings, but I thought it was my duty to do so. I can only give you my deepest sympathy in your extreme sorrow. It is a consolation, however, to know he died a hero's death. May God bless you and help you bear the heavy burden that has been so suddenly thrust upon you. – Private C. Hayes.” A second letter followed :- Your letter to hand. Many thanks for cigs., which I got all right. With regard to Richard being decently laid away, I have made diligent enquiries, with the result I am able to advise you that he was quietly and reverently buried, and a small white cross denotes his resting place, so you can rest content on that score. Sorry to hear that this great trouble is not your only one. I trust God may give you strength to bear your very heavy burden. I beg to tell you that I have a mother left at home in Newcastle-on-Tyne, and as I am the only son left she feels very lonely now I've gone. I shall be glad indeed to be by her side once again. Time this horrible business was finished. The weather is all against us just now, and we have many hardships to endure. There's nothing more I can add only to express to you once again my very deepest and sincere sympathy in your bereavement. Hoping I have relieved your distressed mind a little. – Private C. Hayes.” Above articles are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 His brother Private George Simms enlisted at Sutton in Ashfield, he was killed in action on 14th October 1915, having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Loos Memorial
