The Battalion landed in France in April 1915 and were part of the 149th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. The Division took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele from the 26th October - 29th October 1917. This was part of the Battles of Ypres, 1917 (Third Ypres) : 31st July - 10th November 1917 : The British finally got what they had wanted since 1914 : the opportunity to attack at Ypres and breakout of the confines of the salient of trenches around it. Often known as the Third Battle of Ypres or Passchendaele, the offensive began with encouraging gains but terrible summer weather soon bogged it down. By August the offensive was clearly failing in its objectives and had descended into attritional fighting. New techniques by both sides led to agonisingly slow forward movement for the British, at enormous cost in casualties to both sides. Bad weather in October led to the battlefield becoming an impossible quagmire. Richard was formerly with the Royal Engineers (4284). The Battalion War Diary states casualties for the 26/10/1917 were - 9 Officers Killed, 1 Wounded, 1 Wounded and Missing believed Killed, 43 Other Ranks Killed, 150 Wounded, 53 Missing. SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR THE 1/7th BATTALION NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS WAR DIARY FROM APRIL 1915 TO JANUARY 1918. THIS TELLS THE STORY OF THE BATTALION ON THE DAY RICHARD FELL 26/10/1917
HERE Richard is also remembered on the St. Patrick's Roll of Honour (book). See photos for Richard's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, Richard's parents names on the North Lanarkshire Electoral Register (Coatbridge) 1919, his name on the Tyne Cot Memorial x 2, his name on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel List, his CWGC Grave Registration, Richard's Pension Records x 2, an aerial view of Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial, his former Regiment the Royal Engineers Cap Badge and the Northumberland Fusiliers Cap Badge. Finally, SEE PHOTOS x 19 FOR THE 50th (NORTHUMBRIAN) DIVISION BOOK 24th OCTOBER - 10th NOVEMBER 1917 and the 50th (Northumbrian) Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division Richard was with when he died).
