S J Richards (1851 – 1916)

Samuel John Richards is probably the oldest soldier on the memorial. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record his age at death as 56 but he was actually 64.

Samuel was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, on 7th November, 1851. He was the son of Thomas Richards, a labourer, and his wife, Sarah. They lived at Newtown.

Samuel worked as a carpenter and joiner and also as a builder. He probably travelled to find work but after he married Sarah Ann Dix in 1883 he settled down, living first in Ebenezer Row, then in Whitburn Street. Samuel and Sarah had four children.

Samuel served at some time with the KSLI but by the time of his death he had been transferred to the Royal Defence Corps – a unit made up of older or unfit soldiers to provide troops for security and guard duties within the United Kingdom. He died on 22nd July, 1916 and is buried in Bridgnorth Cemetery.

Private Richards, 19213 (formerly 21069 KSLI), was not awarded any medals – so presumably he had not served overseas.