Richard Firkin

Richard Firkin enlisted in Army Reserve (Special Reservist) for 6 years service with Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) on 13 November 1909. He was 18 years 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall. In 1910,11,12 and 13 he attended annual camp, although he missed 1914 as temporarily unfit. Richard was mobilized on 6 August 1914 and after training, sent to the 1st Battalion in France on 27 December 1914. On 25 January 1915 he was listed as wounded in action - severe gunshot wound to head and sent to No 1 Stationary Hospital. He was discharged to the camp at Rouen on 5 February and was back with the battalion on 9 February. On 12 March 1915 during the battle of Neuve Chapelle he was listed as 'missing' and later as 'killed in action'. At 5 am on 12th March, the Germans shelled Battalion Headquarters and advanced in overwhelming numbers to attack the British front line. The battalion inflicted heavy losses on the enemy but had to retire to the support trench some 150 yards to the rear. The enemy continued its advance and massed on the right and right centre of the front line but counter attacks and the heroics of Private Jacob Rivers (VC), forced the enemy back. The battalion regained its former trench and caused more loss to the enemy, eventually completely retaking the line by 7 am. At 3pm the battalion suffered losses from its own artillery (The lack of shells and inferior quality was a major issue at this time). At 9 pm, the decision was taken to fall back to the support trench and making this the new defensive line. At some point Richard was killed and he has no known grave.

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