Captain Richard Arthur Pell Colborne
| Date of Birth | 17/08/1886 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 31 |
| Date of Death | 28/05/1918 |
| Service Number | |
| Military Service | Royal Fusiliers |
| Merton Address | St John's Church, High Path, South Wimbeldon |
| Local Memorial |
Additional Information
Richard was born on 17 August 1886 in Sudbury, Suffolk. His father Arthur was a Churchman and teacher. His mother’s name was Margaret Ethel (nee Edwards) and Richard had one younger brother Stewart Arnold Stanwell Colborne. Richard was baptised in Sudbury on 19 September1886.
Richard was a clever child and with his background it is not surprising that he went to Oxford University where he graduated with honours in Divinity in 1909.
He was ordained and appointed to Gaddesden and then to St John’s, Romford before becoming the Priest in Charge at St John’s Church Merton in 1916.
He enlisted on 26 March 1917 and volunteered for foreign service where he served as a Captain and Chaplain to the Forces. He was gassed near Bapaume in December 1917 but recovered well and rejoined his regiment the following February.
He was killed in action near Arras whilst ministering to the wounded during a raid on the trenches and is buried in Dainville British Cemetery, near Calais. There is a stained glass window commemorating him in St John’s Church, High Path, Merton.