Richard's Story.
Birkenhead News 27 May 1916Little Sutton Native Falls.
Sorrow for a Popular Footballer and Soldier.
The Little Sutton public were greatly moved on Monday morning to learn that Mrs. R. Fabby had been notified of the death of her husband, who was killed in action on the 13th instant. Private Fabby was a native of the village, having been born and bred in it, living there all his life. He was very much respected. He joined the 13th Cheshires in December, 1914, and September of last year he went to France, where he has “done his little bit” with credit for King and country.
Writing to his wife on the 6th inst. he spoke in terms of praise of his comrades, and described in a few brief sentences the death of Private W. Jones (as recorded in the “News” of May 20th), who, he said was dead in a moment. He further wrote that “the man that comes out alive will be lucky, but I shall do my bit with the next, whatever happens.”
Fabby was one of the strong men of the old Sutton Football Club, and the team was considerably weak if “Dick” was absent. Much sympathy is felt for his delicate wife and four little children in their distressing bereavement. Private Fabby’s 35th birthday was reached the day prior to his death,
The following letter of sympathy from his commanding officer was received by Mrs. Fabby on Monday. :-
“Dear Mrs. Fabby, - I am writing to tender my sincere sympathy, and that of all ranks in the regiment, at the death in action, on the 13th May, of your husband, Private Richard Fabby, the news of which it is my sad duty to convey to you. I trust that you and your family may find consolation in the knowledge that your husband died for his country, than which no end of any life could be more noble. His company and regiment mourn his loss.”
Richard Fabby's grave in Ecoivres Military Cemetery
Richard's photograph, grave photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth