HENRY JOHN RICHARDS 1886-1916

Henry John Richards was born in 1886 in Newport, Monmouthshire to Frederick John Richards and his wife Emily Annie nee Eagle. There is no obvious link between Henry’s parents and Ashcott as Frederick his father was born in Monmouthshire of parents who originated in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, while Emily his mother was born in Gloucestershire of Welsh parents.
Henry does not appear on any Ashcott records such as School Admissions, Parish Registers, or Censuses.
It is possible that there may have been a family link to Ashcott but it will require further research to define it.
Similarly, Henry’s military records do not reveal where he served with the South Wales Borderers, and whether he died serving overseas or in the UK.
Henry served with the 8th Battalion which was formed at Brecon in 1914 and sailed from Marseilles to Salonika on 30 October 1915. It was involved in a very bloody yet forgotten campaign.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Certificate however, gives a grave reference ‘596’ for Henry John and the Newport Christchurch Cemetery confirms that this is an actual grave/burial and not part of a war memorial.
Henry John, therefore, did not die on active service overseas and this may also explain why there is no record of Henry being awarded any campaign medals.

Casualty Details

 
– Commonwealth War Graves Commission Certificate

References – 1871-1911 Censuses
– UK BMD
– Ashcott Records