Prescot Roll of Honour

Richard ACKERS

16 Cross Street, Prescot

Gunner 84821, Royal Garrison Artillery

Richard Ackers was born in Prescot on 13th June 1881.

In 1911, the census showed Richard to be working as a Butler at 24 Hans Road, SW London, the home of George Armstrong. Richard, who had been born in Prescot, was aged 32 and living with him were his wife Bessie, also 32 and a native of Edinburgh, and their 1 year old daughter Mary.

Richard Ackers attested into the RGA on 16th May 1916 at Liverpool. At that time, he lived at 16, Cross Street in Prescot, was 34 years old and worked as a Store Keeper. He recorded his next of kin as his wife, Bessie (nee Lang), of the same address. They had married on 14th August 1904 at the Registry Office in Kensington, London. They had three children; Mary Elizabeth (b. 8th November 1909), Norman (12th November 1911) and John (29th October 1914).

He was posted to Fort Brockhurst at Gosport (Isle of Wight) where he underwent his training, then on 9th September 1917 he was sent to France. He remained there for just over a year before being granted Furlough on 1st October 1918, rejoining the battalion on the 15th.

Richard was finally discharged on 10th March 1919. His medal entitlement was to the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

The 1939 National Register showed that he still lived at 16, Cross Street, Prescot, and worked as an "Aged and Infirm Attendant". His children Mary, Norman and John were still living at home with their parents.

Extract from the 1939 National register