Richard Harold's Story.
Richard Harold Critchlow was born in Birkenhead in late 1897, the third of four children to Alfred John (a locomotive cleaner) and Margaret Critchlow (nee Jones).In 1901, Richard was living with his parents and siblings at 286 Laird Street, Birkenhead. By 1911 the family had moved next door to 284 Laird Street, Richard was an apprentice upholsterer.
With the outbreak of the First World War Richard initially enlisted in the 3rd battalion Cheshire Regiment (a reserve battalion) before initially transferring to the 16th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, one of the three ‘Bantam’ battalions within the Cheshire Regiment. He then was transferred to the 2/7th battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
In the autumn of 1917 Richard’s battalion was based at the chemical works sector near the French village of Fampoux.
Battalion war diaries of the Royal Warwickshires stated that on the 13th October it was a ‘quiet night with heavy rain’, however one shell landed in the front-line trenches killing three Other Ranks. One of these men was Richard Critchlow.
Private Richard Harold Critchlow’s body was never recovered or identified therefore he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He is also remembered on the war memorial in St. James’ Church, Birkenhead.
Birkenhead News 10 November 1917
RAILWAY EMPLOYEE KILLED.
News has been received by Mrs. Crutchlow, of 284 Laird Street, to the effect that Private R. H. Crutchlow was killed in action on October 13th. He joined the 3rd Cheshires early in the war, and was transferred to the Royal Warwickshires. Pte. R. H. Crutchlow was educated at Laird Street Council School, and worked on the Wirral Railway from the age of 14 to the time he joined up. This young soldier will be very greatly missed by his father, mother, brothers and sister, and a large circle of friends. He was of a most cheerful disposition, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
Note: The newspaper article refers to the soldier as Private Crutchlow, however, his correct last name is Critchlow.
The Cheshire Roll of Honour would like to thank Phill Critchlow for information on Richard Critchlow’s life.