Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Moore, a gardener, born 31st July 1855 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Moore (nee Burtenshaw, married on the 15th October 1882 in St. Saviour’s Church, Chelsea, Middlesex), born 1863 in Chelsea, Middlesex. Richard, a schoolboy was born on the 14th August 1887 in Melton Mowbray, his siblings were, William, a schoolboy, born 1883, Margaret a schoolgirl, born 1884 and Mary, born 2nd March 1888, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, also residing with the family was his maternal Aunt, Margaret Jane Burtenshaw, a domestic servant, born 1868 in Chelsea, in April 1891 the family home was at 12, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray. In March 1901 Richard was residing in the family home at 215 & 216, Guinness Trust Buildings, Block F, Chelsea, together with his father, now a bus conductor, his mother and siblings, Margaret, Mary and Robert Edward, born 2nd November 1895 in Chelsea. In April 1911 Richard was absent from the family home in 25, Rutland Street, Melton Mowbray, this being the home of his paternal Uncle John Moore, a carter, born 1849 in Melton Mowbray, residing there was his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, Mary a domestic housemaid, and Robert a shoe trade worker, Richard was serving as a Drummer with the 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, and was stationed at Napier Barracks, Karachi, India. In 1939 Richard’s widowed father, a retired general labourer was residing at 11, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray, this being the family home of his son Robert, a wool spinning labourer and his wife Grace, born 4th February 1894.
NOTE: Richard’s father William Moore, married Mary Anne Burtenshaw on the 15th October 1882 in St. Saviour’s Church, Chelsea, Middlesex using the name of William McGunn, all the children of the marriage were officially recorded as follows: William McGunn, born in the 1st quarter of 1883, Margaret McGunn born in the 4th quarter of 1884, Richard McGunn, born in the 3rd quarter of 1886 and Mary McGunn, born in the 2nd quarter of 1888, the latter four children were all born in Melton Mowbray and Robert Edward McGunn, born in the 4th quarter of 1895 in Chelsea.
What remains unclear in relation to the use of the Surname of McGunn, is, why would all the family in the official census returns of 1891, 1901 and 1911 respectively, be recorded with the Surname of Moore? Richard attested and served with the Surname of Moore, and in the 1939 Register his widowed father and brother Robert and his wife are recorded as Moore. Richard’s mother, who died, aged 71 in the 1st quarter of 1934 in Melton Mowbray, was also officially recorded as Moore. Richard’s Grandfather, Robert Moore was born in 1831 in Ireland and his wife Mary, was born in 1821 in Roscommon, Ireland
Richard attested into the Army on a Long Service (All Arms except Cavalry) (12 years with the Colours.) engagement on the 14th March 1902 in London. He gave his place of birth as Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire his age as 15 years and 7 months and his trade or calling as errand boy. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He stated he wished to serve with the York and Lancaster Regiment. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 1¾ inches in height, weighed 89 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 29 and 31 inches. His complexion was described as fair, his hair colour was fair and he had grey eyes. He gave his religion as Roman Catholic. It was noted that he had a scar on his left little finger. He was pronounced fit for the Army on the 14th March 1902 in London. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the York and Lancaster Regiment at Pontefract as a Boy, service number 6751 on the 14/3/02. Posted to Fermoy, Ireland on the 16/3/02. Posted to the 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment on the 28/10/02. Embarked aboard P&O, S.S. Sicilia on the 29/10/02. Disembarked Mhow, India on the 25/11/02. Appointed Drummer Boy on the 17/12/02. Granted 1st Good Conduct Pay on the 14/3/04. Attained the age of 18 years on the 14/8/04. Awarded Service Pay Class I on the 14/8/06. Awarded Service Pay Class II on the 14/3/07. 2nd Good Conduct Badge on the 14/3/07. Forfeits pay for physical inefficiency on the 1/6/09. Appointed Lance Corporal on the 25/1/10. Posted to Karachi, India on the 25/11/10. Ceases to hold the appointment of Drummer on the 2/11/11. Admitted to hospital in Karachi suffering from malaria on the 8/11/11. Promoted Corporal on the 27/1/13. Admitted to hospital in Karachi, India suffering from malaria on the 11/9/13. Attached 3rd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment on the 3/4/14. 1st Engagement terminated on the 3/4/14. Attested Corporal and transferred to Section “D” Army Reserve (Character Exemplary) on the 25/4/14. A medical, examination on transfer to Section “D” Army Reserve recorded that he was aged 27 years and 8 months, height 5 foot 8 ½ inches, chest measurement 37 inches, his complexion was described as fresh, hair colour fair and he had grey eyes, waist measurement 33½ inches, helmet size 21½ inches, size and magnitude of boots 6/4, it was noted that he had a scar on the 2nd finger on his left hand, he gave his trade as general labourer and confirmed that he was unmarried and gave his home address as 23, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. He gave his father William Moore, mother Mary Moore, older brother William and younger brother Robert Edward, all of 23, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray as his next of kin. Mobilized on the 5/8/14 at Pontefract. Posted York and Lancaster Regiment on the 5/8/14. Embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 6/3/15. Reverts to Corporal, in the field on the 11/3/15. Joined the 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, in the field on the 11/3/15. Admitted to 81st Field Ambulance suffering from a shrapnel wound to the back on the 8/5/15. Transferred to No.8 Casualty Clearing Station, in the field on the 9/5/15. Transferred to 12th General Hospital at Rouen on the 10/5/15. Transferred to England on the 15/5/15. Died of gas poisoning, this was deleted and acute bronchitis and heart failure were substituted, in Pontefract Military Hospital at 9.00am on the 14/6/15. Richard was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The following information was provided by Richard’s mother Mary Moore on the 7th May 1919, and was witnessed and signed by R. J. Hunter, Roman Catholic Priest, The Presbytery, Melton Mowbray on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, William Moore of 21, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray. Mother of soldier, Mary Moore of 21, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray. Full blood brothers of soldier, William Moore, age 37 serving with the Royal Navy. Robert E. Moore, age 25 of 21, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray. Full blood sisters of soldier, Margaret Cartwright, age 35 of 47, Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray. Mary Peters, age 31 of 5, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray. Richard’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 8 May-15 – In huts at YPRES. 1.30am. The Battalion arrived at the huts and found there a draft of 487 N.C.Os and men. 11.30am. The draft paraded for inspection by the Commanding Officer. 11.35am. Battalion ordered to “Stand to.” 12.15pm. Battalion left the huts under orders to retake the trenches from which the KING’S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY had had to withdraw at ZONNEBEKE. The Battalion advanced in lines of platoons towards ZONNEBEKE with its right flank resting on the railway line. 5.00pm. About this time the Battalion had halted and was in the support trenches South East of FREZENBERG (Sheet 28. D.25c.) under heavy shell fire. Here Captain COLLINS was wounded and the casualties numbered between 30 and 40. 7.00pm. Company Commanders received orders from Colonel ISHERWOOD to advance at 8.00pm. 8.00pm. The attack was pushed almost up to the German trenches, but owing to the very heavy casualties in officers and men, it did not achieve its object. All the officers were put out of action with the exception of Lieutenant BRISCOE who was able to get together the remnants of the Battalion next day. Captain EAST was killed. Lieutenant Colonel ISHERWOOD, Lieutenant LOUSADA, Lieutenant GAUNTLETT, Lieutenant WYLIE, 2nd Lieutenant TAYLOR, 2nd Lieutenant DODWELL, 2nd Lieutenant MORGAN were wounded. About 11.00pm. Sergeant SOUTH brought 30 men back to the support trenches where he met Lieutenant TAYLOR with 45 men. (Lieutenant Colonel ISHERWOOD, Lieutenant LOUSADA, Lieutenant WYLIE and 2nd Lieutenant DODWELL were consequently reported as “missing.” Temporary Captain COPLEY 1st YORKSHIRE REGIMENT states that he, with a party, carried Lieutenant WYLIE to the dressing station at the WHITE CHATEAU, POTIJZE and handed him over to the Medical Officer.)
On Friday June 18th 1915 The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “MILITARY FUNERAL AT MELTON.” – A Victim of Gas-Poisoning. – Sergeant R. Moore, of the 1st York and Lancaster Regiment (son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Moore, Regent-street, Melton Mowbray), died this week in Pontefract Hospital from the effects of gas poisoning sustained while fighting in the trenches on May 8th. The body was conveyed to Melton Mowbray, and was buried yesterday afternoon in the presence of a very large gathering. The first portion of the service was held in the Catholic Church, and the interment took place in the Thorpe-road Cemetery, the Rev. Father Hunt officiating. The coffin was borne by ten soldiers, and a firing party from the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment, under Sergeant Parker, fired three volleys over the grave. Nineteen wounded soldiers from Wicklow Lodge Hospital also followed.
On Friday June 18th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON VICTIM OF GAS POISON. – We are sorry to learn that Sergt. R. Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Moore, 23, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray, has died from the effect of gas poisoning whilst fighting in the trenches on May 8th. Before reaching the age of 16 years deceased joined the 1st York and Lancs. Regt. as a drummer boy, and shortly afterwards went out with them to India, where he served for about twelve years. On completing his time he returned home twelve months last April, retiring with the rank of Corporal. On the outbreak of the war, as a reservist he re-joined his regiment on Aug. 5th, but for some time the authorities utilised his services as an instructor at Sunderland, and it was not until about two months ago that he went out to France, having meanwhile been promoted to Sergeant. He took part in a big engagement on the 8th May, and was rendered unconscious by the gas fumes which the Huns sent out before attacking. Subsequently the trench was blown in, and Sergt. Moore remembered nothing until he found himself in hospital. He was moved to Liverpool Infirmary and after being there for a week he sufficiently recovered to come home for a week’s furlough. Before the expiration of the time he received permission to extend it for another week, but this was cancelled three days later, and on the 1st inst. he was ordered to re-join his depot for light duties. Deceased was however, still feeling the effects of the gas poisoning, and bronchitis set in, with the result that he had to be taken to Pontefract Hospital. Last Monday morning Mrs. Moore received the following telegram about half past nine: “Sergt. R. Moore dangerously ill in military hospital at Pontefract. Commanding Depot York and Lancs.” Mrs. Moore was arranging to visit her son when two hours later she received another wire as follows: “Regret to inform you 6751 Sergt. Moore died at military hospital, Pontefract, this morning at nine o’clock.” Mr. and Mrs. Moore have two other sons who are serving with the Colours. Her eldest boy, William who is married, is at present engaged on a Canadian submarine, and her youngest son, Robert Edward, is with the 2/5th Leicestershire Regiment at Luton. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have also a son in law belonging to the Royal Fusiliers, who was wounded at the Dardanelles, and is now in hospital in Malta. The body was brought back from Pontefract on Tuesday, and there was a military procession from Pontefract Barracks to the Midland Station, consisting of the band, a firing party, and from three to four hundred returned members of the Expeditionary Force, men of the York and Lancs., and the Yorkshire Light Infantry, and also recruits of the new army. A muffled peal was rung on the Pontefract bells as the cortege passed the church. The coffin was deposited in Melton Mowbray Catholic Church, where the customary masses were said. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was full of military character. Mr. A. E. Mackley being responsible for this part of the arrangements. The inhabitants turned out in large numbers to pay their last tribute of respect to a gallant townsman who had laid down his life in his country’s service. The first portion of the service was held in the Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Hunt officiating. The mourners included Mr. and Mrs. Moore (father and mother), Mr. and Mrs. Peters (sister and brother in law), Mr. Robert Moore (brother), Mr. John Moore (uncle), Mrs. William Moore, senr., and Drummer Rollinson, of the 1st York and Lancaster’s, who came as a representative of the drums of the deceased’s regiment. A large number of beautiful floral tributes were sent which included:- In loving memory of our dear son, from his sorrowing mother and dad. “R.I.P.” In loving memory of our dear brother, from his loving brothers and sisters, Bill, Maggie, Bob, May, and Kitty. From the town wardens and inhabitants of Melton Mowbray as a tribute to the loyalty and devotion of a fellow townsman, who laid down his life for his King and country. With deepest sympathy for a brave comrade, from the Warrant Officers and non commissioned officers of the 1st and 2nd York and Lancs. and Yorkshire Light Infantry. In ever loving memory of my dear Dick from his devoted Grace; “Though death divides, fond memories cling.” In fond remembrance of Dick, from Mrs. Nicholson and Mrs. Guildford. With sympathy from Miss Aldwinckle. With deepest sympathy from Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Spencer. From the neighbours in Regent Street. With heartfelt sympathy from Miss Basford. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and was escorted to the Thorpe Road Cemetery by a firing party of 14 under Sergt. Parker from the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment, and was carried by six soldiers from Leicester and four from Loughborough. There were also two buglers, and nineteen wounded soldiers from Wicklow Lodge Hospital. The service at the graveside was of a very impressive character, and was participated in by a very large gathering. The Last Post was sounded, and three volleys were fired over the grave.
In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. - MOORE.- At Pontefract, on the 14th inst., Richard Moore, aged 28 years.
On Friday July 2nd 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Regent St., wish to thank all those who so kindly sent wreaths on the occasion of the funeral of their son, Sergt. R. Moore, including one from the foremen and workmen at Holwell Iron Works.
On Friday June 9th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. MOORE.- In loving memory of our dear son Sergt. Richard Moore (Dick), 1st Yorks. and Lancs., who died June 14th 1915. Gone from us but not forgotten. Never shall thy memory fade; Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger. Round the spot where thou art laid. From loving Mother and Father. – R.I.P.
MOORE.- In loving memory of our dear brother, Sergt. Richard Moore (Dick), 1st Yorks. and Lancs., who died June 14th, 1915. A day of remembrance and to recall, from loving sisters and brothers at home and abroad.