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Private Richard John Locker

Description

TitlePrivate Richard John LockerSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionRichard was born 27 November 1889 at Greendale, third son of Richard John and Mary Locker. He was educated at the Greendale Main School. It was noted that his keen sportsmanship and general disposition won for him unusual popularity amongst his friends. Before enlisting he was working as a farm labourer for Mr T. B. Jones at Hororata. He was 5ft 7½in tall with a dark complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.

Richard enlisted 2 May 1916 and was assigned to the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 16th Reinforcements and promoted to company cook on 4th May. He embarked 21 August 1916 and arrived in Devonport and then Sling camp on 24th October then soon afterwards left for France on 15 November. He seems to have continued as cook for on 19 December he was charged with the loss by neglect of 1 spoon and had to pay for the cost of replacement, 4pence. He was sent to hospital on the 10th April 1917 with mumps although discharged ten days later on 29th. Three months later he was killed in action on 7 June 1917 at Messines, with the 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion Canterbury Infantry. They had been under canvas at Canteen Corner before moving to the Auckland trench during the evening of 6th June. Zero hour was 3.10am and they duly advanced across No-man’s-land, an action they had practiced previously. At some stage Richard was killed in action, his body either unrecovered or unidentified, his name is inscribed on Messines Ridge Memorial to the Missing. In New Zealand Richard is remembered on the Malvern County & Hororata War memorials.

First NameRichard JohnLast NameLockerFamilySingleThird son of Richard John and Mary LockerDate of Birth27 November 1889Place of BirthGreendaleDate of Death7 June 1917Place of DeathMessines, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death30

Connections

CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OneImageMalvern War MemorialHororata War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryMessines Ridge Memorial to the MissingHororata War MemorialMalvern County War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingFarm LabourerRegiment or ServiceCanterbury Infantry Regiment Enlistment Details2nd May 1916Service Number21702Embarkation21st August 1916Reinforcement16th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

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Private Richard John Locker