Corporal Richard Somers Tate
| Date of Birth | c 1886 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 28 |
| Date of Death | 18 December 1914 |
| Service Number | |
| Military Service | Honorable Artillery Company |
| Merton Address | 117, Worple Road, Wimbledon |
| Local Memorial | Wimbledon Parish Church |
Additional Information
Born in June 1886, Richard was the son of William and Flora Tate. The couple also had an older son, Harry, plus two older daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, both of whom became teaching assistants.
The family lived at 117, Worple Road, Wimbledon.
Having completed his education, Richard became an unauthorised clerk at the Stock Exchange. In 1909 he enlisted with the Territorial Force and his existing military training meant that he was able to join the Honourable Artillery Company soon after the outbreak of war. Part of the British Expeditionary Force, Richard and his comrades were sent to help with the defence of Belgium in 1914 and took part in the First Battle of Ypres (10 October – 22 November 1914).
After just a few months on active service, Richard was killed on 18 December, at a place called Kemmel not far from Ypres. He was buried in Loker Churchyard, south- west of Ypres and his name also appears on a monumental inscription at Wimbledon Parish Church.