Leslie Alexander Richards aka Paterson

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 30/11/2015 - 12:42

First Name:

Leslie

Middle Name:

Alexander

Last Name:

Richards

Date of Birth:

Saturday, March 24, 1888

Mother's Name:

Margaret Paterson

Father's Name:

John Pomeroy

Date Enlisted:

Monday, February 28, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

53rd Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, March 14, 1917

Place of Death:

France

Cause of Death:

Killed in action

Details:

Leslie Richards (Service No 2231) was a single 28 year old railway employee at Clifton when he enlisted.

Leslie embarked on HMAT A44 Vestalia with 4th Reinforcements, 53rd Battalion on 11th July, 1916. He arrived in England on 9th September 1916 and soon after joined 12 platoon C Company, 53rd Battalion in France on 21st November, 1916.

Leslie saw service on the Western Front until he was killed in action on 14th March, 1917. Leslie was working as a stretcher bearer when he was killed by a shell that hit the trench he was in.

Leslie is buried in AIF Burial Ground, Grass Lane, Fleurs: Plot V, Row B, Grave 29.

Leslie Richards' birth was registered as Paterson. Richards was the name of his step father. Leslie became estranged from his mother at a young age and lived with his uncle. There is correspondence in his National Archives of Australia file from his uncle and mother that explains his situation, with both parties wishing to claim his medals. His medals eventually went to his mother.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, RICHARDS LESLIE ALEXANDER