Killed at Gallipoli/Dardanelles on 4th September 1915.

[kkinsella]

Greetings at this Easter time.

Richardson, Michael Paul V.

Private. Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 7th Battalion, “D” Company, ‘The Pals’, Service No. 14784.

Last Days in Action: Pte. Richardson was killed in action at Gallipoli on 4 September 1915, age 20, just before the 7th Dublins left Suvla for Mundros on 29 September.

On the evening of the 22 August, the Dublins took up a position about a mile and a half to the right of Chocolate Hill, on the northern side of the Asmak Dere, towards Hetmanchair, and stayed there in the trenches until 5 September. We know from Sir Ian Hamilton’s “Gallipoli Diary” that the weather was very bad on 4 September. He wrote: ‘Sailed over with Freddie (Capt Maitland) at 11.30 to “K“ Beach and inspected the 88th Brigade. Had given orders to the Arno to stand by and to take me over to Anzac in the afternoon, but the weather was so bad that I could not get off to her in the motor boat.’

My understanding is that there was very little combat taking place at this late time in the Gallipoli campaign!! Can anyone help with information?

Regards,

Ken.

[sotonmate]

Ken

This was the only RDF soldier killed on that day. Another died of wounds on the following day. They may have been connected by,say,a shell burst etc in the day-to-day tribulations of the trenches.

"British Regiments at Gallipoli"by Westlake may deal specifically with that period,or you can get the detail from 7RDF War Diary under WO95/4296 at Kew.

Sotonmate

[Retrac]

Hi According to Westlake's British Regiments at Gallipoli. 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

Last entry for August. In action on 21st moving from reserve to front line at 11pm under shell fire. War diary records fighting strength as 5 Officers and 424 other ranks.

September:

Relieved by 1/1st Royal Worcester Yeomanry and to Chocolate Hill (4th) Casualties (1st - 4th) 2 killed, 7 wounded. Lieutenant Kelly sick. Withdrew to Lala Baba (9th). Came under heavy shell fire (13th) Medical Officer wunded, 5 other ranks killed 20 wounded. LAter relieved 6th Royal Dublin Fusiliers in front line. Chocolate Hill - Sulajik. Lieutenant Douglas sick and to hospital (16th). Received draft of 1 Officer adn 58 other ranks (20th0 Relieved by 6th Royal Dublin Fusiliers (21st) and withdrew to reserve dug outs. Relievd by 6th Soputh Lancashire (29th) and to C Beach. Embarked Abassieh and sailed for Mudros (30th).

That is the last entry for the Battalion

Hope this helps

David

[kkinsella]

Ken

This was the only RDF soldier killed on that day. Another died of wounds on the following day. They may have been connected by,say,a shell burst etc in the day-to-day tribulations of the trenches.

"British Regiments at Gallipoli"by Westlake may deal specifically with that period,or you can get the detail from 7RDF War Diary under WO95/4296 at Kew.

Sotonmate

Sotonmate,

Than you for that most useful information; I will also have a look at the War Diary. I am attaching a photo of the young man in question; he was a rugby player who joined the the 'pals' of the 7th Dublins.

Regards,

Ken.

[kkinsella]

Hi According to Westlake's British Regiments at Gallipoli. 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

Last entry for August. In action on 21st moving from reserve to front line at 11pm under shell fire. War diary records fighting strength as 5 Officers and 424 other ranks.

September:

Relieved by 1/1st Royal Worcester Yeomanry and to Chocolate Hill (4th) Casualties (1st - 4th) 2 killed, 7 wounded. Lieutenant Kelly sick. Withdrew to Lala Baba (9th). Came under heavy shell fire (13th) Medical Officer wunded, 5 other ranks killed 20 wounded. LAter relieved 6th Royal Dublin Fusiliers in front line. Chocolate Hill - Sulajik. Lieutenant Douglas sick and to hospital (16th). Received draft of 1 Officer adn 58 other ranks (20th0 Relieved by 6th Royal Dublin Fusiliers (21st) and withdrew to reserve dug outs. Relievd by 6th Soputh Lancashire (29th) and to C Beach. Embarked Abassieh and sailed for Mudros (30th).

That is the last entry for the Battalion

Hope this helps

David

David,

Thank you for that detailed information on the movement of the 7th Dublins in August & September 1915. Please see reply to our 'pal', Sotonmate, where I have attached a photo of the young man in question.

Best wishes,

Ken.