CANDLER, Richard


No.8813, Lance Corporal, Richard CANDLER
Aged 23


"B" Coy, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
formerly 7333, Suffolk Regiment
Killed in Action on or since 31st August 1914



1914 Star with clasp..the Old Contemptibles medal


Born in 1891 (2nd qtr Bury St.Edmunds 4a:807) son of Thomas and Eliza CANDLER (née MOYES)

1891 census...His parents were at Suffolk Reg Depot, father Thomas [36] a drummer on the permanent staff in the Suffolk Regiment,aged 36, born Chatham; his mother Eliza [37] born Thurston, sisters Kate [9] and Beatrice [8]; brothers Thomas [10], Harry [6], William [4], Bertie [3] and Archibald [1] all the children were born Bury St.Edmunds. This record contradicts the 1901 census where Richard is recorded as 11 years old. The death of his father was in Guernsey on 10th November 1900, whilst in the 3rd Battalion, Suffolk Regt.

1901 census...Aged 11, he was at 11 Garland Street, Bury St.Edmunds with his widowed mother Eliza, (a War Offcice pensioner); brothers Bertie [13], Archie [12] and Percy [8]; sisters Daisy [5] and Florrie [3]. All except his mother born in Bury St.Edmunds.

1911 census...Aged 19 he was a private in the Suffolk Regiment at Stanhope lines, Barossa Barracks, Aldershot. At 1 York Terrace, Bury St.Edmunds were his mother; sisters Kate (domestic cook),Daisy [14] and Florrie {13]; brothers William (engineers improved turner) and Percy (bookstall clerk).

Pension card has his mother Eliza at 1 York Terrace, Bury St.Edmunds.


He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds sometime before 1911.
There is a conflict of dates since his mother's request to the Red Cross gives "missing since 26th August", whereas CWGC give his death as 31st August, The pension card has 31st August as Po W , whilst "Soldiers Personal Effects" has on or since 31st.
After the battle at Le Cateau, on 26th August 1914, where the 2nd Suffolks had been ordered to stand and fight to the man, just 111 men answered the roll call on 27th, casualties were about 720. They withdrew from Le Cateau via Bohain to St Quentin where a few stragglers caught up with them. By 31st they had reached CREPY and the rearguard were still in touch with the Germans cavalry
Under the circumstances it is no wonder that dates and numbers became confused and at this distance are hardly likely to be reconciled. It does appear however that the only certainty is that Richard was last seen on 26th August, The Germans seem never to have captured him and his body was never identified.






photo CWGC


Richard CANDLER is coommemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre, memorial, France

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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