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Pte. Richard Brannick
British Army 8th Btn Royal Lancaster Regiment
from:Manchester
(d.13th Oct 1915)
I have been researching my family history for the last 3 years. During my research I found references to my Grandfather, his brother and their part in WW1. I visited Richard's grave and the Menin Gate in August 2010 which was a very emotional experience for me. I would like to pass on my Grandfather's story to you as follows:
My Grandfather Richard would have been 31 years of age when he joined up. I can only assume he wanted to do his bit for the country, at 31 he would have been one of the older members of the Regiment. He enlisted in October 1914 and after basic training he was shipped out to the Western Front landing on the 27th September 1915 full of excitement and trepidation about the adventure he was embarking on. He sent his wife Mary a standard field postcard on the 2nd of October 1915. On it were pre-printed comments such as, I am well, I have been admitted to hospital, etc. etc. He had crossed out all the pre-printed comments, but just left in the "I am well" comment. On the 13th October 1915 he was struck by a shell during heavy bombardment. He was killed instantly, just 17 days after arriving on the Western front. Captain E.W.S Bardsley, Richard's commanding officer, sent Mary a printed sympathy card advising her of Richard's death. He was buried at Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery. His brother 37816 Private James Brannick was also killed in action on the 10th August 1917. His name is inscribed on the Menin Gate. He was with the 11th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.
