In Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 235626 Private Richard Surtees, serving with the 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who died 22/08/1918.
The son of Thomas and Isabella Surtees, of Colwell, Barrasford, Northumberland.
North Tyne Magazine, Vol. XXVIII, no.306, October 1918, page 3 reports the following:
Richard Surtees, elder brother of Andrew who was killed last year, died in France. Richard Gibson Surtees was the third son of Mr. Thos. Surtees, and was 26 years of age. Before the war he was engaged in agricultural work, and was for several years in the employment of Messrs. Urwin, formerly of Cocklaw. Soon after the beginning of the war, he joined the Yeomanry (Nov. 1914), and was stationed at Gosforth Park and at Scarborough. Proceeding to the Front in March, 1917, Trooper Surtees was afterwards transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers, and saw heavy fighting. He was home on leave last January, and was expected again this month. He was killed in action on Thursday, August 22nd. Richard Surtees was well-known and highly respected … two sons of Mr. Surtees are still serving, one Walter, being in France, and the younger, Lancelot, in Egypt.
The following letter has been received by Mr. Surtees from Capt. H. Ansell, N.F. dated August 30th:-
Dear Sir, It is with deep regret I have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte. R. Surtees, of this Company. It was during an advance the Battalion was engaged in, and our flank was being subjected to heavy machine gun and rifle fire, that your son was hit by a sniper in the head, and death was almost instantaneous. His few effects have been collected and will be forwarded to you. I cannot say how sorry I am to have to convey this sad news to you, but I do trust that the consolation of knowing how well your son was liked by all, and also that he died the very highest and noblest form of death, in the service of his King and country, will, in some measure, help to atone for this heavy blow you have been called upon to bear. His place will, indeed, be hard to fill. I know his worth, as until recently I was his platoon commander. Please accept my very deep sympathy in your sad bereavement.
Miss Surtees has also received the following letter from Pte. J.C. Tweedy, N.F.:-
Dear Miss Surtees, Just a few lines on behalf of the boys of 15 Platoon and myself on the loss that has come to you by the death of your dear brother Dick, who was killed in action. By his death the Platoon and Battalion loses one of the best lads it ever had. He was greatly liked by his officers and men for his unselfish ways. He was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone who was in difficulties, and his cheerful nature used to be a help to a lot of us in our times of trouble. I myself have been with him ever since the war started, and I miss him very much … . As long as I live I shall cherish his memory in my heart. I am pleased to say we buried him in a nice place, and we erected a cross both at his head and feet. The inscription on the cross is as follows:-
Pte. R.G. Surtees, D. Company, – Batt., Northd. Fus. Killed in action, Aug. 22nd, 1918. Sleep on, dear Dick, and take your rest; They miss you most who loved you best. Ever remembered by his Platoon …
Pte. J.C. Tweedy, D. Company, – N.F., B.E.F., France.
Acknowledgements: Tony Harding
Richard Surtees is remembered at Chollerton on C35.01
