Private Richard Marsh
81207 1/8th Durham Light Infantry
Died as a P.O.W. 22nd July 1918 at Limburg, aged 19
Lived at 103 Gordon Street
Commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium
Burnley Express 18th January 1919 - 28th February 1920

Richard Marsh was born in Burnley the son of Allen and Annie Marsh of 103 Gordon Street., Burnley. He served as Private 81207 in the 1st/8th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action aged 18 on Tuesday 23rd July 1918. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Hainault, Belgium.

The Burnley Express reported :-
“Youngest of Thirteen. No News Of Burnley Lad Since April.
Mr and Mrs Marsh of 103 Gordon Street, Burnley are much concerned, now that prisoners are returning home, regarding the fate of their boy, Pte. Richard Marsh, 170340 of the Durham Light Infantry. He is the youngest of thirteen children, and one of three sons who have been in the army. Of these Dan, 1st East Lancashire Regt., was killed on 1st July 1916; George, a corporal in the R.F.A., has been recommended for the Military Medal: whilst Richard has been missing since April 11, 1918, and nothing has been heard of him except a Red Cross Society Report that he was wounded and a prisoner. But in the absence of any personal news the parents have become very anxious.
Pte. Richard Marsh, who is only 19 years of age, joined up in October, 1917, and went out to France on April 1st 1918, so that he had only been abroad ten days before he was wounded and captured. He was assistant in the engine room at Ferndale Mill, and was connected with the Stoneyholme Weslyan School.”

The Burnley Express of February 28th 1920 reported that:-
“Youngest of Thirteen. Burnley Lad’s Death Presumed.
Reported as missing on 23rd April, 1918 the Army Council now presume the death to have occurred between that date and 22nd July whilst a prisoner of Pte. Richard Marsh, 18th Durham Light Infantry. His parents who now live at 103 Gordon Street, Burnley having received a notification to that effect from No. 1 Infantry Record Office at York.
Private Marsh was the youngest of 13 children and one of three sons who have been in the army. Of these Dan, 1st East Lancashire Regiment was killed 1 July 1916. George a corporal in the R.F.A. was recommended for the Military Medal, whilst of Richard nothing was heard after April 1918 except a Red Cross Society report that he was wounded and a prisoner.
Pte. Richard Marsh was only 19 years of age, joined up in October 1917, and went out to France on April 1st 1918 so that he had only been abroad 10 days before being wounded and captures. He was assistant in the engine room at Ferndale mill and was connected with Stoneyholme Wesleyan School.

Notes.
November 2001- Richard Marsh - a white cross in memory placed for Remembrance Sunday outside the Thompson Centre.