CAMPAIGN GROUPS AND PAIRS


Captain Richardson had been in the very best of health and spirits, until one morning he complained of having slept badly, and having pains in his body. He remained in bed during the day, but in the evening was plainly very ill. I managed to find a doctor from a Russian regiment who gave him medicine, and advised me to get him to hospital at Novo Rossisk.


During that night his Russian orderly, interpreter and I myself sat with him, and did all possible for his comfort. He slept a little at times, and did not seem to be in great pain.


The next morning we carried Captain Richardson into the railway carriage of an English Colonel who was passing through, and who promised to see him into hospital safely. I also sent my own English servant to sit with him and attend to his needs.


Although the house in which we were living in the village of Bakanskaya was very poor, Captain Richardson was not living in discomfort. The Cossacks were most kind and did everything possible for him. He had good food, milk, tea, wine and brandy.


All the Russians with whom we were working, and the villagers, were most distressed at Captain Richardson’s illness and I had many enquiries and expressions of sympathy from them.


On my return to Novo Rossisk, about a week later, it was with the greatest sorrow that I learnt of the loss of my friend.


The funeral took place here on the afternoon of the 12th. Several of his friends were present, and his Russian orderly, Alexander, asked to be included in the carrying party. The funeral ceremony was very simple, but everything was performed with the greatest care and reverence. The service was conducted by the Rev. Churchwood of the Y.M.C.A. and a Naval bugler sounded the “Last Post” over the grave.


Captain Richardson lies in an English plot in the Russian cemetery at Novo Rossisk, with several others of our officers and men, on a hill overlooking the sea.


Mr. Churchwood will send you some photographs of the grave when the cross is erected and all is in order. I have in my possession some camera films taken by your husband just before his death. I will have them developed and sent to you.’


Richardson, a confirmed recipient of the Russian Orders of St. Anne and St. Stanislaus, was 37 years of age and left a widow, May Lillian Richardson of Edgbaston, Birmingham, and a young daughter - both of whom were left destitute as a result of his early demise, or certainly according to a letter sent by their local M.P. to the War Office in May 1920 (copy included).


In light of the fact his grave could no longer be maintained in Russia, Richardson’s name is also commemorated on the Haidar Pasha Memorial in Turkey.


TO BE SOLD WITH THE FOLLOWING ARCHIVE AND ARTEFACTS


www.dnw.co.uk


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