Richard was born at Gregson’s Bridge, Martin Lane in Burscough on 6th August 1895. His official birth registration was Richard Gibbins(sic) Collins possibly due to his parents not marrying until 1897. He was baptised at St Matthias Church in Liverpool on 18th September 1895 as Richard Gibbons Collins while his parents were recorded as Peter and Catherine Collins. Peter was a Boatman on the canal. Later records confirm that he was the son of Peter Gibbons and Catherine Collins.
Sadly, Richard’s mother Catherine died age 25 at Halsall in 1900 and on 6th October that year she was buried at St Cuthbert’s.
On the 1901 Census Richard Colin Gibbons, age 6 was living on Summerwood Lane with his father, 2 sisters, grandparents, 3 aunts and 2 uncles. All the men were boatmen on the canal.
In 1911 Richard Gibbons was living in Summerwood Lane and at the age of 16 he was working as a farm labourer for James Pilkington at Watson House Farm.
Richard continued to work as a Farm Labourer and when he enlisted, he gave his occupation as a Farm Labourer.
At Southport on the 31st August 1914, age 19 Richard signed up to join The 12th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment. He was posted on 8th September 1914. He must have impressed his senior officers as the following year on the 14th April he was promoted to Lance Corporal.
On 27th July 1915 the Battalion moved to France.
Richard continued to serve with the King’s Regiment and by 1916 they were fighting in The Somme Battles. In September of that year he was alongside his Halsall “Pal” Edward Culshaw taking part in the Battle of Guillemont. Fighting had been fierce and on the 4th September 1916 Richard and Edward were both killed by the same shell. Incidentally Sgt David Jones of the King’s Liverpool Regiment received a Victoria Cross for bravery in the same battle.
Richard has no known grave but as well as being commemorated on the Halsall memorial he is also commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.
His father Peter continued to live in Halsall and in 1920 when he received Richard’s medals he was living at Primrose Villas in Halsall with his daughter Catherine.
