Richard Francis's Story.
Richard Francis Wolstenholme was born on the 30th September 1894 to parents Richard, a cotton broker and Frances Wolstenholme. In 1901 Richard lived with his family at 51, Beresford Road, Oxton, Birkenhead. He had a younger brother, George. By 1911 Richard was at Stubbington House boarding school, Fareham, Hampshire, he also attended Birkenhead School. Following his education he joined his father’s firm Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, based in Liverpool.Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War Richard enlisted as a Private (15121) in the 17th (Pals) Battalion King’s Liverpool Regiment. However, he was sent to Officer Training School and subsequently he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in November 1914 with the Cheshire Regiment, and then Lieutenant in June 1915.
Richard’s final promotion was to Captain on the 17th September 1916 in the 15th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. In November 1916 they were situated near Arras, France.
The following is an extract from the Battalion war diary for the day of Richard’s death –
Arras – 28th November – Weather frosty and a fog tempted us out examining wire and doing work in ‘No Man’s Land’. Unfortunately two casualties occurred Captain Wolstenholme and an artillery officer being killed. During the night 28th/29th Lieut. Fitzgerald was wounded whilst trying to recover the body of the artillery officer.
Birkenhead News 06 December 1916
Oxton Officer Killed.
Captain R. F Wolstenholme Fallen.
Much sympathy is being extended to Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Wolstenholme, South Hill Grove, Oxton, who have received word that their elder son has been killed in action.
Captain Richard Francis Wolstenholme, who was but 22 years of age, was with the Cheshires and fell on November 28th. He had been serving since the commencement of hostilities, joining the 1st Battalion of the King’s Liverpool Regiment. He quickly gained his commission, and was promoted captain on September 17th last. He went to the front on New Year’s Day, 1916.
The Captain was an old Birkenhead School boy, and was very popular both at school, in business, and in the Army. He was also educated at Stubbington House School (Fareham), where he captained both the cricket and football teams, and in Paris. He afterwards took an active part in the conduct of his father’s firm, Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, one of the oldest cotton-broking firms in the city. Captain Wolstenholme’s younger brother is serving with the colours, and was home on leave last week when the sad news was received.
Richard Wolstenholme was buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras.
As well as the Birkenhead war memorial, Captain Wolstenholme is also remembered on the war memorial in Christ Church Birkenhead, the Royal Liverpool Golf Club war memorial and the Royal Liverpool War memorial inside St Hildeburgh's Church.
Christ Church war memorial, Birkenhead
Royal Liverpool Golf Club war memorial (inside St. Hildeburgh's Church, Hoylake)
Richard’s only brother, Lieutenant George Mellor Wolstenholme M.C. was also to fall in action on 5th October 1918.
Research, Richard's photograph and war memorial photographs by Chris Booth