Leslie Alexander Richards aka Paterson
Leslie Richards (Service No 2231) was a single 28 year old railway employee at Clifton when he enlisted.
Leslie embarked on HMAT A44 Vestalia with 4th Reinforcements, 53rd Battalion on 11th July, 1916. He arrived in England on 9th September 1916 and soon after joined 12 platoon C Company, 53rd Battalion in France on 21st November, 1916.
Leslie saw service on the Western Front until he was killed in action on 14th March, 1917. Leslie was working as a stretcher bearer when he was killed by a shell that hit the trench he was in.
Leslie is buried in AIF Burial Ground, Grass Lane, Fleurs: Plot V, Row B, Grave 29.
Leslie Richards' birth was registered as Paterson. Richards was the name of his step father. Leslie became estranged from his mother at a young age and lived with his uncle. There is correspondence in his National Archives of Australia file from his uncle and mother that explains his situation, with both parties wishing to claim his medals. His medals eventually went to his mother.
Links
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Leslie Alexander Richards - Embarkation Roll
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1903640/
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Leslie Alexander Richards - Red Cross Wounded & Missing
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1500266/
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Leslie Alexander Richards - Roll of Honour
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1666272/
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Leslie Alexander Richards - AIF Project
- https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=254010
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Leslie Alexander Richards - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/264613/RICHARDS,%20LESLIE%20ALEXANDER