Jas. T. Richards
History
James Thomas Richards was born at Dunnstown on 14 January 1897, the eldest child of James Richards and Margaret Elizabeth Jane Mason. He was educated at Warrenheip State School. [1] Before enlisting for service during [World War One] he was a junior teacher at Dana Street, Ballarat. His father was J. Richards of Warrenheip. James Richards enlisted for service during World War One on 23 February 1916, and embarked as a Sergeant on the transport Ascanius on 27 May 1916. He was promoted to Warrant Officer while training in England. He proceeded to France with his unit on 23 November 1916 and was killed in action on 08 June 1916. [2]
Head teacher of Dana Street primary school wrote of James Richards and William C. Groves: These young fellows were highly esteemed. They were energetic and intellectual young men, and would have become excellent teachers. I regard them as conrades rather than mere members of the staff. Both Mr Richards and Mr Groves were educated at the Ballarat Agricultural High School. Mr Richards received his first and only appointment here, but Mr Groves was first appointed to Sunshine School, and then transferred to Dana Street.[3]
On 01 September 1915 Jim was appointed Lieutenant-Adjutant of the Warrnambool Training Camp, but relinquished this position to enlist for active service in January 1916. He sailed as a private with the 39th Battalion on 27 May 1916, but he was promoted to regimental sergeant major before leaving England for France. The 20 year-old was killed in action during the Battle of Messines on 08 June 1917.[4]
Legacy
World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/GreatWarBallarat/posts/1807811872598413, Accessed 28 March 2018.
- ↑ Victoria. The Education Department's Record of War Service, 1914-1919, Education Department of Victoria, 1921.
- ↑ Victoria. The Education Department's Record of War Service, 1914-1919, Education Department of Victoria, 1921.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/GreatWarBallarat/posts/1807811872598413, Accessed 28 March 2018.
Further Reading
External links
--Beth Kicinski 10:37, 24 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 12:48, 19 May 2015 (AEST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 21:05, 28 March 2018 (AEDT)