WWI BWM casualty. Rickard. Bacup, Lancs. Died day 1, Battle of Loos. Menin Gate.

Correctly named SR8073 Pte J Rickard Shrops LI

Joseph was born in 1876.

He served with the 5th Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry.

His date of death is presumed on records as the 25th of September 1915, first day of the Battle of Loos.

An address found for his mother, Charlotte, at the time of his death is 128 Rochdale Road, Bacup, Lancashire.

He has no known grave and is commemorated upon the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.

In September 1915, the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI) was involved in the Diversionary Action Battle of Loos. The 5th Battalion KSLI was tasked with acting as a diversion to draw enemy forces away from the main assault. They trained extensively for their part in the battle, and their diversionary attack was planned for early on the morning of 25 September. The battalion was in bivouacs about 2 miles north of Poperinghe and had spent time training and practicing for their role in the battle. The diversionary attack was executed with a bombardment by the British, followed by a British bombardment the next morning, and a German retaliation with shelling throughout the day. The battalion’s objectives were quickly achieved, but the situation became perilous due to the enemy’s counter-attacks, leading to a retreat back to their original line. The KSLI’s actions during this period were part of a larger effort to divert enemy attention and resources during the Battle of Loos.