223961 Sgt. James Baker Richardson British Army 15th Btn. Durham Light Infantry from:Sunderland Sargeant James Baker Richardson was born on 18th June 1875. He was my great grandfather. James served in the 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry during WW1. He had been career soldier and had fought in the Boer war. On leaving the army he worked in the shipyards (Doxfords I believe). When WW1 broke out he re-enlisted. He was 40 years old. He was reported missing presumed killed on 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The 15th DLI were part of 64 Division fighting in and around Fricourt. By early August my great grandmother received a postcard to say that he was in fact a prisoner of war. My great grandfather remained a POW for the duration of the war. My great grandmother died in 1917 at the age of 39, leaving eight children.
Additional Information: | Sergeant James Baker Richardson received letters and parcels from his wife Sarah after she discovered he was a prisoner. These letters are preserved by the family and a copy of the collection was donated to the DLI museum in Durham. They give details of family life, hardships and the assistance given by the Boilermakers. They also list the items sent by Sarah such as hams and bread. Elaine Campbell
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