In Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of WR/260887 Sapper Richard Thompson Irving, serving with the 15th Broad Gauge Operating Company Royal Engineers who died 21/12/1918.

Colin Boyd has provided the following:

Richard was born on 5th January 1895 and was working as a fireman living with his father, George at 36, Dean Street, North Shields when he enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers. (These details were later changed to mother, Susannah at 14, Low Row, Percy Main).

He transferred to the R.N.V.R. on 10th September 1914 and was posted to the Drake Battalion on 3rd November 1914.

Richard was granted UK leave on 26th February 1916 and rejoined the Drake Battalion on 6th June 1916 before transferring to the Royal Engineers Railway Operating Company on 24th August 1916.

He served at home until 15th June 1918 when he was posted to France.

Richard was: “accidentally killed” (fractured skull) at about 9.00 p.m. by a passenger train whilst walking on the railway 500 yards south of St. Pierrebrouck Station, contrary to orders, not on duty at the time, both men considered to blame. (Sapper T. Fenton severely injured and later died) on 20th December 1918.

Richard Thompson Irving is remembered in Percy Main on P22.01 and in Tynemouth on T36.14 page 14.