Detailed information of the people whose names are on the Cirencester Memorials
Click here to see Introduction to this project for an explanation of why the names are or are not on each memorial. These pages outline what we know about the named people, in many cases, very little. If you find errors or have more information we would be pleased to know. Contact: WW1 @ cirenhistory.org.uk
The Names
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A chronological list of Cirencester deaths is available in Newsletter 61
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Pollard to Riddler…….
POLLARD, William F.
Memorial Parish Church WILLIAM F. POLLARD
Memorial Hospital POLLARD W.F.
50690 Private William Frederick Pollard. 15th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Born [c.1900. Cirencester].
Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 28 June 1918. Aged 18.
Killed in Action. France
Grave II.D.34. Merville Communal Cemetery Extension
Son of Charles & Annie Pollard, 3 Cricklade Street. Memorial in Cirencester Cemetery
Wilts & Glos Standard 3 August 1918
CIRENCESTER C.L.B. COLOUR-SERGEANT KILLED
We regret to record the death in action, which occurred in France on June 28th, of Private William Frederick Pollard, only son of Mr and Mrs Charles F. Pollard of 3 Cricklade Street. The first intimation was received by the following letter from the Rev. E.F. Ball, C.F., son of the Rector of Stratton:
July 10 1918
Dear Mrs Pollard, I am writing these few lines as chaplain to the regiment to tell you how very sorry we are to lose your son William, who fell in action with us on June 28. Your son had only been with us a very short time, but during that time he always did his duty and he fell bravely. It has not proved possible to bring the body back for burial behind the lines and he has been buried on the field of battle along with others of his comrades. I am sending with this a little card of memory which you may like to keep and use, I pray that God may help you in your time of sorrow and that you may know how “underneath there are the everlasting arms” of His love, Believe me, yours very sincerely, E.F. Ball, C.F., Royal Warwickshire Regiment, B.E.F., France.
Official confirmation has since been received; Private Pollard joined the Cirencester Church Lads’ Brigade Training Corps at the earliest age possible, viz. 9, and he was always a keen and active member, passing into the Cadet Corps and attaining the rank of colour-sergeant, the highest rank a n.c.o. can reach. He was an excellent n.c.o. and took a great interest in sports, particularly swimming, winning Captain Scutt’s silver challenge cup outright. After leaving the Council School he entered the employ of Messrs. Henry Tovey and Son and joined up in November last at the age of 18. He was attached to the Royal Warwicks, and was home in May on his draft leave, crossing over to France a week later. Much sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents.
Source: FB image 1918 1st June 1918 to Dec 1918 08 03 Ref 079, 083
POOLE, Albert E.
Memorial Parish Church ALBERT E. POOLE.
Memorial Hospital POOLE A.E.
33484 Private Albert Edward Poole. 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.
Born [c.1897. Cirencester].
Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 10 August 1917. [Aged]. Killed in Action. France & Flanders
Panel 33. Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Formerly 162520, R.F.A.
In 1911 Census, aged 14, barber’s assistant, living at 33 Midland Road, with parents and siblings.
QUENINGTON, Viscount Michael Hugh Hicks-Beach
Memorial Parish Church MICHAEL HUGH. VISCOUNT QUENINGTON, M.P.
Memorial Hospital Not recorded.
Lieutenant Michael Hugh Hicks-Beach, Viscount Quenington. Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.
Born [19 Jan 1877. Beverstone].
Enlisted [location].
Died 23 April 1916. Aged 39. Died of Wounds. Katia, Egypt.
Grave G.321-4. Cairo New British Protestant Cemetery
Mentioned in Despatches. Michael Hugh Hicks-Beach (Viscount Quenington).
In 1911 Census living at Mill House, Coln St. Aldwyn, landowner and M.P. Married Marjorie Dent Brocklehurst in 1909. She died 5 Mar 1916 and is buried by his side in Cairo.
See Wikipedia entry for more biography and picture
RANDELL, George H.
Memorial Parish Church GEORGE H. RANDELL
Memorial Hospital RANDELL G.H.
7066 Private George Henry Randell. 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).
Born [c.1888. Cirencester].
Enlisted Swindon.
Died 13 October 1914. Aged 26. Killed in Action. France Grave/Memorial [Ref]. Cemetery/Memorial [Ref].
In 1911 Census living at 21 Chester Street, coal porter for coal merchant. Married to Rhoda, with two children.
Cheltenham Chronicle & Glos’ Graphic, 14 Nov 1914, photo. Private. 1st Wilts. Reserve. Of Cricklade Street, Cirencester, killed in action aged 26. Leaves a widow and four children.
See Augustus Hopkins for family link
Wilts & Glos Standard 14 November 1914
CIRENCESTER SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION
Mrs Randell, of 112 Cricklade Street, Cirencester, received official information on Saturday from the War Office that her husband, Private George Henry Randell, of the 1st Wilts Reserve, was killed in action on October 13. Private Randell, who was 26 years of age, was the son of Mr and Mrs Randell of 114 Cricklade Street, and he leaves a widow and four children, the eldest being five years old and the youngest four months, for whom there will be much sympathy in their great bereavement. Private Randell, who had a brother in the same regiment, but whom he had not seen during the war, left his home on August 5, and about a fortnight later was drafted to France. Just over a month ago Private Randell wrote a letter to his wife saying he was at the Army base in France, and that he was all right, and had been in seven battles, including that of Mons. After the Battle of Mons he was missed, but was eventually discovered in a train. It appears that he suffered rather badly with his feet, and in consequence he was relieved of marching and was taken either by train or some conveyance as near as possible the line of battle. The first intimation that Private Randell had been killed in action was received by his wife from Private Bert Paish, of Cheltenham, about three weeks ago. Paish informed Mrs Randell that he was about sixth man from Randell whom he saw fall on October 13. He went to Randell’s assistance and spoke to him. He had been badly injured in the stomach, and died shortly after being wounded. As Mrs Randell had not been officially notified of the death of her husband, she could not believe it was true, and thought some mistake had been made. She eventually decided to write to the War Office, and received the reply on November 3 that her husband was in the best of health! Yet he had been dead three weeks. On Saturday she received another letter from the War Office saying her husband was killed on October 13. The day of Private Randell’s death (October 13) was the day of the second Mop at Cirencester. To remind him of the event Mrs Randell and her friends purchased a quantity of gingerbreads and cigarettes, writing paper and envelopes, and sent them to him.
Source: FB image 1914 11 14 Ref 158.
Source: FB image 1914 11 21 Ref 178, photo
RATCLIFF, Sidney
Memorial Parish Church SIDNEY RATCLIFF
Memorial Hospital RATCLIFF S.
13585 Private Sidney Ratcliff(e). 1st Garrison Bttn. Royal Warwickshire Regt.
Born [Date. Rodmarton].
Enlisted Cirencester. Died 4 June 1916. Aged 44. Sudan
Grave Khartoum War Cemetery, Sudan
Formerly 3187, Glos. Regt. In 1881 Census living at Tarlton Cottages (information courtesy of P. Grace).
Wilts & Glos Standard July 1 1916
LOCAL WAR NOTES WATERMOOR MAN’S DEATH FROM HEAT STROKE
The death is reported as having occurred at Khartoum from heat stroke on June 4th of Private Sidney Ratcliff, husband of Mrs Ratcliff of 5 Stepstairs Lane, Watermoor, Cirencester. Private Ratcliff was called up with the Special Reserves, having previously served for 12 years with the Scots Guards. Much sympathy will be felt with the sorrowing wife and children.
Source: WGS 1916 07 01 Peachey Ratcliff
Source: FB image 1916 07 01 Ref 208
REINGER, Edward J.
Memorial Parish Church EDWARD J. REINGER
Memorial Hospital REINGER E.J.
9728 Gunner Edward John Reinger. “D” Bty. 32nd Battalion, Royal Horse Artillery & Royal Field Artillery.
Born [c.1881. Gloucester].
Enlisted Guildford, Surrey.
Died 14 July 1916. Aged 35. Killed in Action. France
Grave I.C.1. Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps
Husband of Kate Reinger, Freefolk, Whitchurch, Hants.
Wilts & Glos Standard 22 July 1916
GUNNER E. REINGER KILLED
Mr Alfred Reinger, of 13 Lewis Lane, Cirencester, has been notified that his second son, Gunner E. Reinger, R.F.A., 4th Division, has been killed in France by an accidental burst of a shell from one of our own guns on July 13th. Gunner E. Reinger joined the Army in August 1914, and was then attached to the 15th Division (Scotch), two battalions of which were billeted in Cirencester for some time. He had been in France just over twelve months, and went through the battle of Loos last September, and was later on wounded at Vimy, part of a shell having struck him on the side of his head. He had only been out of hospital some few weeks, and was then attached to the 4th Division, when the sad accident occurred. He had only been married 13 months. A younger son, Private Wilfred Reinger, is in the M.T. Army Service Corps, and has been in France 10 months. The only other son, Mr Fred Reinger, is engaged in the railway service.
Source: FB image 1916 07 22 Ref 256-7 with photo
RICHARDS, Evan T.
Memorial Parish Church EVAN T. RICHARDS
Memorial Hospital RICHARDS E.T.
17321 Sapper Evan Thomas Richards. 2nd Field Coy., Corps of Royal Engineers.
Born [c.1890. Cirencester].
Enlisted Cirencester, 20 Mar 1908, aged 18.
Died 10 March 1915. Aged 24. Killed in Action. France
Memorial Panel 1. Le Touret Memorial.
Son of David & Ellen Richards of 3 Woodland Cottages, Thrupp.
In 1901 Census, age 10, living at 19 Querns Hill. Father a railway porter.
Wilts & Glos Standard 27 March 1915
Sapper E. Richards killed at Neauve Chapelle. Carrying his father’s presentation watch The Daily Sketch says:
“A watch picked up on Neuve Chapelle battle ground bears the inscription: ‘To David Richards, a token of esteem from his fellow workers and friends after 35 years’ faithful service at Cirencester on the G.W.R., January 1911.’ The number of the watch is 17,321, and it was found on Sapper E. Richards, Royal Engineers, when he was picked up dead.”
The mother of the young soldier, Mrs Ellen Richards, resides at No. 3 Woodland Cottages, The Thrupp, Stroud, at the G.W. Halt near by which her husband spent his last few years for the Company he served so long and well at Cirencester. The mention of the pathetic incident will recall a familiar figure and an obliging official. Richard Richards, a younger son, is serving in the Territorials.
Source: FB images 1915 03 27 Ref 118, 120
RICHINGS, Frederick W.
Memorial Parish Church FREDERICK W. RICHINGS
Memorial Hospital RICHINGS F.W.
4471 Sergeant Major Frederick William Richings. 2/4 Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment.
Born 1877. Cirencester.
Enlisted [location].
Died 17 February 1919. Aged 43. Died at home of injuries received.
Grave Q.72. Cirencester Cemetery
Awards M.S.M.
Son of Alfred and Rosanna Richings.
In 1891 Census, age 14, carpenters assistant, living at 77 City Bank Cottages, Watermoor Road, with parents and siblings.
In 1911 Census, age 35, single, soldier, boarding at 30 Berkeley Castle, Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol.
Further information and photographs courtesy of Wendy Hill, Christopher Fear and Andy Head.
4471 RSM Frederick William Richings. 2/4 Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. RSM Richings served with the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment in the Boer War and endured the Siege of Ladysmith. At the outbreak of WW1 he was retained at Bristol to train new recruits. He was awarded the MSM in 1917 for his work in the UK.
In June of that year he volunteered for duties in France and joined the 2/4 Battalion of the Glosters. According to the Battalion War Diary, the 2/4th spent June, July and half of August in training. On 15th August they moved into the Weiltje area near Ypres. On 27th August they were involved in a serious attack at ‘Capricorn Corner’, also Ypres sector. September and October saw them carrying out the usual trench duties around the Ypres sector and on 9th November they moved to Arras. On the 30th November they moved to Bapaume and on 1/2nd December were involved in a major operation in Havrincourt Wood. The Battalion diary records that on 1st December MO Capt. Robson was killed and the RSM and three Other Ranks injured during heavy shell fire, whilst leaving the trenches in Havrincourt Wood.
After this he was fit only for home service and was posted to Milstead Camp, Sittingbourne and then Larkhill on Salisbury Plain, resuming his old role as an instructor.
Newspaper cutting with photograph. Date?
The death of Regimental Sergeant-major Frederick William Richings, of the Gloucestershire Regiment, son of Mr Alfred Richings, of 77 City Bank Cottages, Cirencester, on February 17th [1919] brought to a sad close an honourable military career. Sergeant-Major Richings, who was 43 years of age, had served in the Army for 24 years. When war broke out he was retained at the depot at Bristol to take part in training the new Army, in which he did good work till June 1917 when he was ordered to France. In December of that year he was rather badly wounded by a bursting shell near Arras, and being invalided home, he remained in hospital till March 1918. On leaving hospital, and being fit only for home service, he was posted to Milstead Camp, Sittingbourne, and afterwards to Larkhill, Salisbury Plain, where he helped to train a battalion of the Royal Warwickshires. He was demobilised on January 25th, and came home for a month’s leave previous to retiring on a well-earned pension. His leave expired on the day he was buried. The gallant soldier’s death, from tumour on the brain, was all the more sad as he was engaged to be married, and the wedding day, postponed on account of his mother’s death, had been fixed
RIDDLER, Wilfred H.
Memorial Parish Church WILFRED H. RIDDLER
Memorial Hospital RIDDLER W.H.
3995 Corporal Wilfred Henry [Harry] Riddler. 1st Life Guards, Household Cavalry.
Born [c.1898. Cirencester].
Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 19 May 1918. Aged 20. Killed in Action. France
Grave LXVI.C.23. Etaples Military Cemetery
Son of Harry and Milly Riddler. In 1911 Census aged 13, living at 37 Thomas Street, school boy, with parents and sister.
The following note from Robert Webb relates to the friendship in arms of his father Sidney Webb (brother of Frank Webb, killed in action 4 June 1915) and Wilfred H. Riddler.
Sidney Webb was educated at the Council School in Lewis Lane and the Grammar School, and was later apprenticed to John Jefferies, the seedsman and nurseryman of Cirencester. On 30 October 1915, aged 19, he and a friend, a Wilfred (‘Billy’) Riddler whose family were living at 37 Thomas Street at the time of the 1911 Census, volunteered at Cirencester Recruiting Office to join the army and chose to join the Life Guards. They were almost immediately sent to the Knightsbridge Barracks in London where they underwent training in riding and military duties. Later they were stationed at Windsor for cavalry training and took part in ceremonial parades such as the opening of Parliament. However, with the continuing trench warfare in France an infantry battalion known as the Household Battalion was formed in September 1916 and both Sidney Webb and Wilfred Riddler were transferred to it.
After training this unit was sent to France and was on the Somme by December. Over the next fifteen months the unit saw front line service and was involved in most of the major attacks including Arras and Passchendaelle suffering very heavy casualties although Sidney Webb and Billy Riddler survived. In February 1918 it was disbanded and the men were transferred back to their original regiments. A number however were selected for commissions and this included Wilfred Riddler.
On 19 May 1918 he was in transit back to the UK for training and was at a transit camp at Etaples overnight when it was heavily bombed with many casualties. Wilfred Riddler was killed. He is buried at Etaples War Cemetery. The War Graves Commission records his next of kin as being his mother who was living at 10 Thomas Street