Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown War Memorial

In Memory of

Private Richard Boardman

2464
26th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
Died of Wounds on 31st July 1916 Age 47

Private Richard Boardman was educated, according to his Australian records, at the "Church of England Elementary School" (possibly St. Peter's) in Newton-le-Willows. He was a composior for McCorquodales Print Works but emigrated to South Africa at the age of 19. Being in the Australian forces, his roll of honour records have survived and his sister, Mrs. F. Craig, of 204, Crow Lane West, Earlestown, gives details of his travels:

"Emigrated to S. Africa at age of 19 years. Managed trading stores up country, afterwards going out to New Zealand and finally to Hobart Town Tasmania (at the age of 38). Varied occupations until [ cannot read] 2 years prior to War, when he followed his trade of compositor of the Government Printing Office, Hobart,from which place he enlisted with A.I.F."

According to the records, he served in the Matabele Campaign(Irregular Force) South African War (Lancashire Hussars Imperial Yeomanry).

He is buried in Pucheveillers British Cemetery on the Somme, having died of wounds during the Battles of the Somme.