Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Tyler, a general labourer, born 1850 in Exton, Rutland and his wife Mary Tyler (nee Speed, married in the 4th quarter of 1877 in the Oakham, Rutland district), born 1861 in Edmondthorpe, Rutland. Richard was born on the 27th July 1890 in Somerby, Leicestershire, his siblings were, George William, born 1877, Florence Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1880 and Laura, born 1889, all his siblings were born in Somerby, in April 1891 the family home was at Pickwell Jetty, High Street, Somerby. In March 1901 Richard was residing in the family home at Sturmans Lane, Somerby, together with his father, an agricultural labourer, his mother and siblings, Laura, John, born 1892, and twins, Thomas William and Margaret Emma, born 1894, the latter three siblings were all born in Somerby. In April 1911 Richard was absent from the family home in Somerby, residing there was his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, John, a general labourer and Ethel Mary, born 1901 in Somerby, Richard was employed as a farm wagoner and was residing as a servant at Hanwell Fields, Hanwell, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
The War Diary records: 24 Jan-16. - 11.30am Fired 15 2 inch bombs, 6 light 1½ inch bombs, 14 heavy 1½ inch bombs and 20 4 pound bombs at PONT BALLOT salient (C.29.a.3½). All detonated well and after one 2 inch bomb had exploded in the German trenches, another explosion was seen to take place, much debris being thrown in the air. A similar explosion took place after one of the 4 pound bombs had exploded. After the fifteenth round from the 2 inch gun, the enemy hit the emplacement, killing three men and wounding one and destroying the gun.
On Friday February 4th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – SOMERBY MAN KILLED. Mr. W. Tyler of Somerby, on Sunday received an intimation that his son, Gunner W. Tyler, 56916, R.G.A., was killed by a German shell on January 24th. The chaplain of the 62nd Infantry Brigade expresses the sympathy of the officers and comrades of the deceased. This is the first Somerby man to be killed in the war. Upwards of 40 have gone from the village to serve with the colours. Gunner Tyler joined on July 27th last – his 25th birthday. The following is the letter referred to:- H.I., 62nd Infantry Brigade B.E.F., 25th January. Dear Mr. Tyler, - I am sorry to have to tell you that your son, G. R. Tyler, 56916, of the R.G.A., was killed here on Monday by a German shell. He died immediately and did not suffer at all. His officers and comrades have asked me to convey to you their deep sympathy with you at your sad loss, and though I did not know your boy personally, I can tell you that the way they speak of him that he was liked and respected by all. I should like you to feel that you have our deepest sympathy and that we all hope you will be able to bear your grief the better for the knowledge that your son was a good and honourable soldier, who died bravely for his country. – Believe me, sincerely yours, Kenneth E. Kirk, C.F. (Chaplain).

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Further research indicates that Richard was the son of William Tyler and his second wife, Mary Tyler (nee Wright, rather than Speed). They were married in the second quarter of 1888, in Melton Mowbray district.
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Submitted by P. Clifford, 2019