Richard Sharps

Rev Richard William Dugdale

Personal Details

Born in High Street, Whitchurch in 1898, he was the third son of Richard and Rachel Sharps of the Dairy House, Park Avenue, Whitchurch.

Richard was working in the Family Business (Sharps Butchers High Street) before joining the Army in 1916.

Military Details

Regiment : Royal Garrison Artillery (Depot)

Rank : Gunner
Service Number : 16113

Died of illness; United Kingdom 3rd December 1918 Age 20

Medals and Awards
Richard 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

Whitchurch Herald 14th December 1918


Report in the Whitchurch Herald 14th December 1918 relating to the death of Richard Sharps

"Sharps; On December 3rd in the Military Hospital, Catterick, Yorkshire, Richard Sharps, Royal Garrison Artillery, the youngest son of Mr Richard Sharps, Dairy House, Park Avenue, Whitchurch, died of influenza age 20"

Whitchurch Herald 14th December 1918


Will of Richard Sharps
Sharps, Richard (the younger) of Dairy House Whitchurch Shropshire gunner Royal Garrison Artillery died 3 December 1918 at Catterick Military Hospital Yorkshire Administration (with Will) Shrewsbury 29 May to Annie Sharps spinster. Effects £171 11s. 10d.

Taken from Forces War Records


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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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