RICHARD WILKINSON TATE (1883 – 1916)

27/1267 Private Richard W. Tate, 27^th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action 14 March 1916.  He was about 32 years old and is buried at Brewery Orchard Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, France[1] and is commemorated on the St. Helen’s Colliery Memorial Cottages.

Family Details

Richard Wilkinson Tate was born 1883[2] at Copley. [3]  His parents were probably John and Elizabeth Ann Tate (nee Wilkinson).[4]  In 1891, Richard aged 7, lodged with his uncle, George Wilkinson and his family at Bridge Row, St. Helen’s Auckland. [5]  In 1901, he still lived with George, now at Tindale Crescent and aged 17, worked as a colliery labourer.[6]  By 1911, he lodged with Thomas and Francis Ward at Tindale Crescent and now aged 27 he worked as a coal miner (shifter).[7]

Service Details

Private Richard Tate’s service record and the 27^th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers’ war diary have not been researched.

The 27^th (Service) Battalion, (4^th Tyneside Irish) Northumberland Fusiliers were formed in Newcastle by the Lord Mayor in January 1915.  They came under the orders of 103^rd Brigade, 34^th Division.  Other battalions in the 103^rd Brigade were:

• 24^th, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Irish)
• 25^th, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Irish)
• 26^th, Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Irish)
• 27^th, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Irish)[8]

The Division landed in France 15 January 1916 and concentrated at La Crosse, east of St. Omer and remained on the western front for the duration of the war.[9]

Private R. Tate was killed in action 14 March 1916, about 2 months after landing in France.  The Division had not taken part in any significant actions.  Not until July 1916 and the Battle of the Somme would the battalion be involved in heavy fighting.[10]  Without studying the war diary it is impossible to say with certainty what happened to Private R. Tate.  It is assumed that was killed as a result of the usual violence of warfare – possibly a snipers’ bullet or artillery fire. He was the only 1 man killed 14 March 1916.  Between their arrival 15 January and 14 March 1916, the battalion lost 1 officer and 8 other ranks killed in action and/or died of wounds. [11]

Private R. Tate was awarded the British War and Victory medals. [12]

Burial

Private R.W. Tate is buried at grave reference IV.A.16 Brewery Orchard Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, Nord, France.  There are 339 burials. [13]

References:

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] England & Wales BMD Birth Index 1837-1915 Auckland Vol.10a p.238 birth registered Q4. 1883

[3] 1891 census

[4] England & Wales BMD Marriage Index 1837-1915 Auckland Vol.10a p.229 marriage registered Q4.1878

[5] 1891 census

[6] 1901 census

[7] 1911 census

[8] http://www.1914-1918.net/northfus.htm

[9] http://www.1914-1918.net/34div.htm

[10] See 9

[11] Officers & Soldiers Died in the Great War

[12] Medal Roll card index

[13] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Photographs: