Charles Riddett aka Richard Stafford

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sun, 20/12/2015 - 15:50

First Name:

Charles

Last Name:

Riddett

Alternate Spelling:

Enlisted and served as Richard Stafford

Mother's Name:

Sophie Riddett nee Silk

Father's Name:

James Riddett

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, June 13, 1917

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

1st Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, March 19, 1919

Place of Death:

France

Cause of Death:

Influenza

Details:

Charles Riddett was born in Wollongong, N.S.W.

When Charles Riddett enlisted he did so under the name Richard Stafford. 'Richard' stated his age as 22 year old, when in fact he was 19 years old. 'Richard' nominated a friend, Stanley Charles Dickson as his next of kin (The summary page of Charles' National Archives of Australia papers records Dickson as Charles' father).

'Richard' embarked on H M A T A 38 Ulysses with 26th reinforcements 1st battalion on 19th December 1917. The troops arrived in England on 13th February 1918.

'Richard' was in trouble from the beginning of his enlistment. His constant charges led to a court martial on 15th October 1918, when he was found guilty and sentenced to 3 years hard labour in a field prison.

On 4th March 1919 'Richard' was transferred from the prison to 30th Australian General Hospital at Calais, France, for treatment of influenza.

'Richard' died at 9:10 am on 19th March 1919.

He is buried in Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte, France: Plot VIII, Row G, Grave 20.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, STAFFORD RICHARD