Image: Notes from Richard’s military service file (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 79048
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion; 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Richard was born in Plymouth, England on August 2, 1881. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in Calgary on November 16, 1914. Richard suffered from shell shock due to an explosion at St. Eloi on June 4, 1916. On December 4, 1916, he was invalided to Canada. Also in December, Richard was granted permission to marry Alice. Richard was discharged, having been found medically unfit, on August 31, 1917. He was commended for wanting to carry on with work, despite tiring easily and not eating or sleeping well, according to a report dated May of 1917. On March 28, 1918, Richard was drafted into the Canadian Army. He filed on homesteads at NW 32-78-20-W5 and NE 31-78-20-W5 in 1918.
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.