Philemon W Richards
Philemon Witheridge Richards was born at Porthleven, Cornwall on 9th July 1891. In 1901 he was living at 17 Lord Street with his parents George and Annie Richards and siblings Thomas, George, Jane, Annie, William and Robert. By 1911, Annie, now widowed, was living with her daughter Jane, now Penberthy, and her family and with son Thomas at 16 Lord St, Penarth. There is no trace of Philemon who was presumably at sea. He served in the Royal Naval Reserve as a Deck Hand aboard H.M.S. “Thames” (service number 2977/SD (DEV)). Philemon died of disease on 2nd November1916 aged 24 at the Naval Hospital Chatham and is buried in NW. 2. 11., Penarth (St. Augustine of Hippo) Churchyard or NW. 3. 6. (grave reference C22). Philemon Richards joined the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1909, (service number. 64). He is described as a sailor, 5ft 9½ins tall with a 41in chest (chest expansion 5½ins). He was discharged at his own request on 1st July 1911.