Thank you to Patricia Brazier for the following research.
Richard was born in 1883, and baptised in the parish church in Coldharbour. His parents were Albert, an Agriculture Labourer and Hannah (nee Tickner). He was the youngest of six brothers, and six sisters.
The family lived at Lower Meridon, Coldharbour in the 1891 census. Richard is 7 years old and at school. His father and older brothers were all agriculture workers.
When the 1901 census was taken Richard is 17, and working as an under gardener. He is still living with his parents, brothers George and James and sister Lucy in Lower Meridon.
When the 1911 census was taken, the family have moved to Robin Gate in Coldharbour. Hannah, his mother is now a widow. Brothers Alfred and George and sister Ann are also living in the family home, Richard is now 27 and working as a farm labourer.
In 1916, Richard was employed by Mr C.E. Heath of Anstie Grange, as a gardener. Mr Heath appealed to the Dorking Rural District Military Tribunal, and succeeded in delaying Richards’s military service for two months.
Richard’s attestation papers record that he was 5 feet and 8 inches tall and had fair hair and blue eyes. His next of kin was his mother Hannah. Her address was 11 Beare Green Cottages. He was mobilized on 22 May 1916 and arrived in France on 28th August 1916. He was killed in action on 26 October 1918 and is buried in St. Souplet British Cemetery.
His personal effects were sent to his sister Lucy and his medals were sent to his brother Henry. His war Gratuity of £14 was divided between his brothers and sisters.
This tribute to Richard was placed in the Memorial Column of the Surrey Mirror on Friday 24th October 1919
| Born | Coldharbour, Surrey | |
| Lived | Coldharbour, Surrey | |
| Son of | Albert and Hannah (nee Tickner) Ede | |
| Regiment | Royal Garrison Artillery | |
| Number | 85912 | |
| Date of Death | 26th October 1918 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 35 | |
| Cemetery | St. Souplet, British Cemetery, France |
Previously : Private Harry Capon
