Photo: Alan Little

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-

Richard (or Richardson) was the eldest son of parents, Thomas and Margaret (nee Barron), at Gateshead in 1877. The couple had married at Gateshead in 1876. They went on to have 12 children but unfortunately 2 died.

In 1881 Richard’s siblings were Francis, Mary Jane, William then by the 1891 census the family had increased to include Thomas, Florence Ann and, John. 1901 showed more children ie Dora and, Martin.

Most of the Gofton lads worked in the pit. Thomas (father) coal miner, Richard (aged 14) was a coal screener, later a hewer and also Thomas who worked as a putter.

By 1903 Richard married his sweetheart Isabella Clough and they produced 4 children, Elsie, Thomas, Mary and Alfred. The family was Church of England.

Although Richard served with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry he previously was with Durham Light Infantry (Service number 11156).

On 15 February 1917 Richard was transferred from a sick convey to the 27th Ambulance Team. He was sent home to England suffering from nephitis (ie inflammation of the kidneys) where he died on 9 March 1917 aged 41 years and was buried at Windy Nook.

Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal

Richard Barron Gofton is remembered at Gateshead Fell on G39.064 and at Heworth on H92.04 and H92.07

The CWGC entry for Private Gofton