John Richardson

Herbert Barlow

Personal Details

Charles John Richardson, known as John, born in Malpas, Cheshire in 1893, the son of Charles Richardson, deceased. The 1901 census shows him living with his grandmother, Sarah Davies in High Street, Malpas, Cheshire.

Husband to Beatrice Annie Richardson (nee Bebbington) (married on 9 February 1914) and father to Mary and Charles. Mary was born on 2 October 1913 and her birth was registered in Whitchurch, Shropshire. They married in Cudworth, Lancashire where they continued to live.

His enlistment papers in 1914 show him as a gas worker.

Military History

Regiment : 14th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment
Rank : Lance Sergeant
Service Number : 14/599
Killed in action; France 28 August 1916 Aged 23

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.




Further Information

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Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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