Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of the Reverend James and Julia Furnival of 3, The Mounts, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex. His enlistment documents record that he gave his next of kin as his father the Reverend James Furnival of St. Leonards on Sea, Sussex, England, and his trade or calling as Farmer, and that he was unmarried. He stated that he had served for eleven years in the Cape Mounted Rifles. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 9 ½ inches in height, weighed 165 pounds and had a chest measurement of 34 inches. His complexion was described as dark with blue eyes and brown hair. He gave his religion as Church of England. His record of service gives the following information. He embarked from Freemantle, Australia aboard H.M.A.T. A11 “Ascanius” on the 2nd November 1914. His promotion record was that he was promoted Corporal on the 1st September 1914, and promoted to Sergeant on the 30th September 1914. He was killed in action at Kaba Tepe, Gallipoli on the 30th April 1915. His burial service was conducted by Captain Green, Chaplain attached 1st Battalion. A copy of his last will and testament read, In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my father (Rev. J. Furnival) in the event of his death to my eldest sister (Jane M. Furnival) except my watch which I give to A. F. Strong, “Cherrydale” Donnybrook, Western Australia. Signed James Richey Furnival, Sergeant 896, 14 Platoon, “D” Coy. XI Battn. A.I.E.F. 22:4:15.
His personal effects forwarded to his next of kin comprised, 1 Prayer Book. 1 Cigarette Case. 1 Letter.