Thiepval Memorial
D.L.I. Memorial Book
Pauline Priano has submitted the following :-
Michael Richardson was born July 22nd 1886 and baptised August 11th in Shildon, County Durham, the son of Thomas and Frances Richardson. He had two younger brothers John and Fred.
Michael at the outbreak of the Great War was working as a miner, he enlisted in Ferryhill, August 31st 1914, at the age of 28 years and 1 month, for one year or the duration of the war, joining the Durham Light Infantry as Private 9991. Initially assigned to the 4th Reserve Battalion, from August 30th 1914 until August 23rd 1915 he was stationed, in England, at barracks in Killingworth. Embarked for France August 24th 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion D.L.I. he was sent back to England eight days later having left the 12th General Hospital in Rouen and was transferred to the Edinburgh War Hospital in Bangour. In peace time the village hospital was an institution for the mentally ill however in 1915 it was taken over by the War Office and the patients were transferred to asylums around the country. Michael was treated for Cellulitis of his 4th finger, which was septic, he remained there from September 2nd 1915 until the 17th when he was discharged and rejoined the 4th Reserve Battalion at Killingworth.
The Battalion moved from Killingworth to Forest Hall and was then transferred to Seaham Harbour as part of the Tyne Defences, September 30th 1915, where they remained until March 1916. Michael embarked for France via Southampton March 1st 1916 and was transferred to the 2nd Battalion “D” Company but It was only two days later that he was once again admitted to the 12th General Hospital in Rouen suffering from scabies, rejoining his Battalion March 5th, which was involved in fighting on the Ypres Salient near Poperinghe. The 2nd Battalion D.L.I. participated in the Battles of the Somme attached to the 6th Division 18th Brigade, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, September 15-22nd 1916. In the run up to the battle they underwent bayonet training the first week of September, marching to Sailly Le Sec on the 7th. On the 10th they took part in Brigade operations and the following day they marched to near Meaulte’ and then on to Fricourt by the 13th. On the 13th Private Michael Richardson was appointed unpaid acting Lance Corporal of “D” Company. The following day under the command of Lieutenant Cummings they marched to just south of Montauban. At midnight on the 15th they moved to assembly area south of Bois de Trones as per orders received for the 4th Army. Midday the Battalion went on to Guillermont and Wedgwood trenches which were being held by the Guards in order to attack enemy communication trenches leading to the Quadrilateral. The attack was launched at 7.30p.m. and parts of the trenches were captured with the loss of two officers and the wounding of four others. In the morning, September 16th a small attack was made by the 2nd Battalion which was held up by enemy machine gun fire. During the attack one officer was killed, two wounded and amongst other ranks 30 killed, 99 wounded and 34 missing. Acting Lance Corporal Michael Richardson was amongst the missing and later declared to have been killed in action September 16th 1916.
Private Michael Richardson 9991 Durham Light Infantry has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, Thiepval, France, pier and face 14A & 15C. The C.W.G.C entry states he was 32 years old, this is incorrect as at his enlistment in 1914 he was only 28, Michael was in fact 30 years old and unmarried.
Michael Richardson’s personal effects were returned to his mother Frances January 28th 1917, his memorial scroll and awards of the 14-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal were sent over a period of time from April 1919 to June 1921.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Michael Richardson is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12
