Richard Simpson

War Service

The First World War had been raging for over a year when, on 10th December 1915, Richard Garame Simpson attested into the Durham Light Infantry at Wakefield. He was initially placed on the Reserve List and continued to work and live in Outwood. On the 23rd May 1916 he was called before a Medical Board and, though having slightly flat feet, was passed fit for service. At this time he gave his home address as 33, Daisy Bank, Ledger Lane, Outwood and his occupation as Master Window Cleaner.
Richard Garame Simpson was mobilised on 4th September 1916 and five days later was posted to the 25th (Works) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He joined the Battalion at Skipton, where he was attached to “X” Company, Army Service Corps.
On 23rd December 1916 Private Simpson was admitted to No 8 VA Hospital at Normanhurst, West Hartlepool. Five days later, on 28th December, he died from pneumonia-meningitis. His body was returned to Outwood and was interred in the Stanley (Outwood) Cemetery. On 9th July 1917 his widow, Polly Simpson, was granted a pension of 26/3d per week, for herself and three children.

Family Life

Richard Garame Simpson was born in 1884, the son of Richard and Charlotte Simpson of Leeds, where his father was employed as an iron moulder. At the time of the 1891 census, Richard, his younger sister Amelia and his mother, were living at Stanhope Street, Leeds. His father was absent from home at this time. On 16th December 1905 Richard Garame Simpson married Polly Knowling at Holbeck Church, in Leeds. At this time Richard was working as a window cleaner. Soon after the birth of their first child, Lottie Whymont, Richard and his family moved to Steele’s Buildings at Outwood. Here his wife gave birth to two sons, Leonard, born 4rd December 1912 and Ronald Garame, born 27th July 1914.