Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Second Lieutenant J. E. Riches, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, taken prisoner at Bailleul, April 1918

1914-15 Star (R-8088 L. Cpl., K.R. Rif. C.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.), mounted as worn, good very fine (3)

John Edward Riches was born on 11 May 1894 in the Parish of Teddington, Richmond, Surrey. He attended All Hallows School, Park Lane, Tottenham, London and was later employed as a Printer. Following the outbreak of war, he attested on 3 September 1914 and was posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps. The battalion was part of the 41st Infantry Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. Having been appointed Lance-Corporal, Riches accompanied his regiment to France in May 1915. There the 14th Divison was in action at Hooge, 30 July 1915; the Battle of Loos, 25 September - 8 November 1915; the Battle of Delville Wood, 15 July - 3 September 1916 and the Battle of Flers-Vourcelette, 15 - 22 September 1916. During the course of these battles, Riches was serving as a Brigade Sniper. He was promoted to Corporal on 25 November 1915 and to Sergeant on 24 September 1916. In December 1916 he returned to England as a candidate for an Officer Training Course. He was duly commissioned into the 5th (Reserve) Battalion, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He was then posted back to France as an officer with the 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lads Brigade), K.R.R.C. Whilst engaged at Baileul in April 1918, 2nd Lieutenant Riches was captured in a German attack. His statement, made upon repatriation reads,

‘My Battalion moved to front line positions on the evening of 11/12.4.18, leaving 6 officers, including myself and 100 O.R. as details in an Australian R.E. Camp, E. of Bailleul. On the evening of the 12/13.4.18 orders were received from Bgde H.Q. to proceed to Kortepip Corner & occupy a gap in the line. Lt. Howard, 2Lt. Goldsack & myself with 50 O.R. were detailed for this. We proceeded as instructed to Kortepip Corner and dug in 100y W. of this position and were placed under the command of Col. Fitzpatrick, S.W.B. believed 2nd Batt. then 25th Div. He instructed us to hold on at all costs. At 7 a.m. of the 13/4/18 enemy attacked on right flank but was held up. The enemy then placed down a heavy barrage on our positions & attacked & succeeded in breaking through on the left flank, surrounding & taking Lt. Howard, 2 Lt. Goldsack, myself and 30 O.R. prisoner’.

Riches relinquished his commission on completion of service, retaining the rank of Lieutenant on 13 December 1919. Sold with a photograph of the recipient and a folder of copied service details and reseach.