Richard Gabbitas
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Richard Gabbitas was born in 1892 the son of Thomas William, a gardener who died in 1899 at Nottingham, and Emma Gabbitas (née Searcy). His father was born in 1850 at Newark, his mother in 1857 at Ruddington. Married in 1880 at Nottingham, they had nine children. Richard’s seven siblings surviving infancy were William b.1881 Ruddington, Horace Searcy b.1883 Wollaton, Charlotte Mary b.1887 Radford, Eliza Ann b.1889 Radford, John Thomas b.1891 Radford and Emma Sophia b.1894 Radford. In 1901 the family lived at 12 Prospect Place and by 1911 at 37 Cobden Street (both Nottingham).
Richard Gabbitas enlisted at Nottingham on 7th September 1914. He was posted to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps and arrived at Winchester Barracks on 8th September 1914. He landed in France on 21st July 1915 and was promoted to Lance Corporal on 20th August 1915 (and confirmed in that rank on 9th May 1916) . He was killed in action on 17th September 1916, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 13A & 13B
In Memoriam published 17th September 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- ‘GABBITAS. – In loving memory of Corporal Richard Gabbitas, K.R.R., killed in action September 17th, 1916. They miss him most who loved him best. – Loving mother, sisters, and brothers’. ‘GABBITAS. – In loving memory of Corporal R. Gabbitas, K.R.R., killed in action September 17th, 1916. A noble life sacrificed. – From fiancée Gladys, Mr. Makings, and family.’ In Memoriam notices courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
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