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WORLD WAR ONE
The Men Who Died
WORLD WAR ONE
The Second Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers fought with several divisions in France before joining the 33rd Division in November 1915. The Division took part in the opening phase of the Battle of the Somme, that being the Battle of Albert, 1st to 13th July 1916, immediately followed by the Battle of Bazentin, or Bazentin Ridge, 14th to 17th July, 1916.
His eldest brother Harry was serving as a sergeant with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and was home on leave when the news came through of Osmond's death.
For God and Country
Private William Osmond Richards
Royal Welsh Fusiliers C Coy., 2nd Btn., service no. 11444
Killed in Action July 18th 1916, aged 20
Remembered with Honour at the Thiepval Memorial,
Picardie France
Before enlistment Osmond was working as a locomotive engine cleaner and a member of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants since 1912. He joined up in 1914 initially with the Royal Engineers and subsequently the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and went to France in early December, 1914 taking part in some severe engagements over the following 18 months.
Osmond Richards was born in January 1895 to Frederick Charles and Harriet Amelia, nee Davies, and baptised in St David's Church
the following month. Osmond was the younger brother by ten years, of Frank, who was killed 11 months earlier. (See previous record).
The family were living at 20, Orchard Street, Llanfaes, Brecon at this time and Frederick was a watchmaker and jeweller working for J Hando Ltd., Brecon.
