SAPPER RICHARD JAMES PRICE
6640 - 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company
Porters at Roma St Station, c. 1912. Dick Price on extreme right
James Price married Adelaide Ellen Augusta Weeks in 1892 in Queensland. Adelaide was the daughter of Henry Weeks and Mary Ann King. Children born to the couple were Richard James, born 3 August 1892; Elsie Ellen, 1894; William Henry, 1896; Lillian May, 1900; Mabel Doris, 1903; George Ernest, 1906 and Jessie Gladys born 1909.
On 3 July 1916 at Brisbane a medical examination recorded that Richard was 23 years and 10 months of age. He was 5ft 9½ins tall and weighed 135 lbs. He had a dark complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. He was of the Church of England faith. Scars on his left leg were recorded as distinguishing marks.
On the same day Richard James Price signed the ‘Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad’ and the Oath to ‘well and truly serve’, stating he was born at Oxley and was a Shunter by trade. He named as his Next-of-Kin his mother Mrs (Adelaide) Ellen Price of Oxley, Queensland.
Initial training began on 11 July at the 11th Depot Battalion until 17 November 1916 when he was transferred to the Miners (1st M.D.. On 6 December he was transferred to the Miners Reinforcements at their Seymour, Victoria, Training Camp.
While at Seymour he was fined 10 shillings for being absent from duty without leave on 15 December 1916.
On 11 January 1917 he was transferred to the January Reinforcements, Tunnelling Companies and the 167 Tunneller Reinforcements embarked at Melbourne on 17 January on board Omrah.
HMAT A5 (RMS) Omrah had embarked troops at Sydney on 13 January and arrived in Melbourne on 17 January at 3.pm. Departing the same day she arrived at Adelaide at 8a.m. 0n 19 January and departed at 4p.m. the same day. It sailed into the West Australian port of Fremantle on January 21 where the Reinforcements were granted Day Leave ashore the next day before leaving on January 24, 1917. The ship returned to Fremantle at 7 a.m. on February 1 and put out to sea again at 5 p.m. the next afternoon February 2. Durban, South Africa was reached at 7 a.m. on February 16 and sailed at 6 p.m. the following evening. The next port of call was Cape Town on February 20 arriving at 8 a.m. where two days later the men were granted Day Leave ashore until 11 p.m. on the 22nd before departing at 5 p.m. on February 24. The sights of Sierra Leone were seen closely on March 9, 1917 as the vessel docked at 8 a.m. and after refuelling left at 7 a.m. on March 12, 1917.
The voyage concluded at Devonport on March 27, 1917 and the troops disembarked at Plymouth after 74 days at sea. The three officers and 165 other ranks were detrained to Tidworth and marched into the Drafting Depot at Perham Down’s camp the same day.
Richard proceeded overseas to France on 14 April 1917 and marched in to the Australian General Base Depot (AGBD) on 15 April. He was transferred to the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion on 21 April. The 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion which was an advanced section of the Base Depot which organised works near the lines and through duties would accustom the reinforcements to war conditions before being assigned to a company in the field.
Richard remained with that unit until 1 May when he marched out to join the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company (3ATC).
3ATC War Diary:
On 22/7/17 6640 Spr Price, R.J. was killed in action by shrapnel bullet.
He was buried at Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension at Plot 2, Row A, Grave 1.
The Red Cross gathered witness statements:
Somewhere in France
Oct. 24 - 1917
Dear Friends
Re your letter of inquiry to hand as to the late Sapper R.J. Price (6640).
Well being his most particular friend and mate long before we left Queensland, I the undersigned take this of giving you all the necessary particulars required as to his sudden and fatal ending. About 10 A.M. on Sunday morning the 22/7/17, a high explosive shell landed and burst within a few yards of him and piece of same struck full on the right side of the head, he lived a few minutes. This occurred at Marve on the Loos Frontier. The deceased body was brought well back behind the lines, and the following morning the body was buried in a Soldiers Cemetery at Hersin. And now a Cross is erected on the grave with his name, number and date of being killed inscribed on same. I wrote to his people after the funeral giving all the information that I possibly could give, and I have also wrote again since that. But of course not stating the names of the different places, which I have previously mentioned to you, for I intend having this posted in England. The chap that was with him (Sap S. Turner) at the time this lot happened, is away in hospital gassed at this time. Your letter of inquiry was addressed to a Sap. S. Turner, and not numbered, there being another chap here by the same initials and name was given the letter. He could not make head nor tail out of it, as he did not know the deceased. In fact very few knew him as we both were not here so extra long at the time. I happened to hear him making inquiries so he gave me your letter to answer. As for personal appearances or his identity, well I know my unfortunate mate to well.
From. yours most faithfully
Sap. W.E.A. Jones
3rd Aust. Tunn. Coy.
No.1 Section
Australian Bases, France, B.E.F.
3rd Tunnelling Coy. Price
A.I.F. R.J. 6640
Killed in village of Marve out from Loos. Shell gun shot 5.9 hit side of wall of (indecipherable) mine, bit came back and hit him in head killed at once dropped without a word. Body taken to Head Quarters coffin made. Buried full Military Funeral. I saw him killed present at funeral also. I.B. Ryan W.E.A. Jones his friends.
Witness: Parfitt. 6639
Ward 36. Harefield
18.10.17
3rd Tun. A.I.F. Price Spr. R.J. 6640
(K. July 22/17 Det D/B)
Dick Price was killed at Maroc nr. Loos by a shell which hit him in the head. He was buried in the cemetery near Renous Mines. I saw the X which was to be put on his grave. His pal Sid Turner was next to him when Price was hit and although Turner was uninjured he has suffered ever since from results of the concussion. I knew the man well, he was tall and thin, clean-shaven and I believe hailed from Queensland.
Informant: Spr. A. Pate 5801
3rd Tun A.I.F.
Napsbury Hospt., St Albans, Herts.
Nov 1/17
The family published notices in the local newspapers:
Daily Standard, Brisbane - Saturday 11 August 1917:
ROLL OF HONOUR.
PRICE. — Killed in action in France on the 22nd July, 1917, Richard James Price, age 24 years 11 months, dearly loved eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Price, Oxley.
Honor and glory he hath earned,
Wealth and comfort he had spurned,
To give his life, at duty's call,
Beloved by comrades one and all.
(Inserted by his loving Father, Mother, Sisters, and Brothers).
The Telegraph, Brisbane, - Monday 22 July 1918:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. — In loving memory of our dear nephew, Richard (Dick), killed in action 22nd July, 1917, aged 24 years 11 months.
May the heavenly winds blow softly
O'er that sweet and hallowed spot ;
Though the sea divides his grave from us,
He will never be forgot.
Inserted by his aunt and uncle, S. and E. Massey, Plimsoll street, Coorparoo.
PRICE. — In loving memory of my friend, Richard James Price, who was killed in action in France on 22nd July, 1917.
Inserted by his friend, W. H. Wilson.
The Brisbane Courier, Queensland - Monday 22 July 1918:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. — In sad but loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper R. J. Price (Dick), killed in action in France, July 23rd, 1917, aged 24 years 11 months.
Somewhere in France he's lying,
He answered his country's call,
And died an Australian hero,
Fighting to save us all.
Inserted by his loving sisters and brothers.
PRICE.—In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Sapper R. J. Price (Dick), killed in action in France, July 22, 1917.
Dear lad, he heard and answered the call,
Not knowing whether he would return or fall,
Sincerely loved and honoured by all.
Inserted by his loving uncle and aunt, and cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Fredline.
PRICE. — In loving memory of my friend, Richard James Price, who was killed in action in France on July 22, 1917.
Inserted by his friend, W. H. Wilson.
Richards’ Will, dated 4 May 1917 at 3ATC, left all his effects and money to his mother.
His personal effects comprising a disc; letters; photos; religious book; wallet; metal wrist watch, 1 pair bracelets composition; belts & 3 coins were received by his mother on 12 April 1918.
On 20 October 1918 Major Alexander Sanderson, C.O., 3ATC, forwarded photographs of Richards’ last resting place to his father, trusting they would be of some comfort.
On 21 May 1919 Major Sanderson sent more photographs of Richards grave at Hersin Communal Cemetery, advising that a permanent stone memorial would later be erected over the grave.
The Telegraph, Brisbane - Tuesday 22 July 1919:
ROLL OF HONOUR.
PRICE. — In loving memory of our dear son, Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, killed in action, in France, 22nd July, 1917, aged 24 years 11 months.
At rest.
We missed him the day he left us,
With his smile and his loving way ;
We will miss him more as the years go by,
As we miss him more to-day.
Inserted by his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers.
PRICE. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper Richard James (Dick) Price, killed in action in France, 22nd July, 1917, aged 24 years 11 months.
Though lost to sight, he still is near,
In minds that ever held him dear.
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. E. and Mr. W. H. Wilson.
The Brisbane Courier, Queensland - Thursday 22 July 1920:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. - In loving memory of our dear son, Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, killed in action in France, 22nd July, 1917, aged 24 years 11 months.
Do not ask us if we miss him,
There is such a vacant place.
Can we e'en forget his footsteps,
Or his dear darling face ?
Inserted by his loving father, mother, brother, and sisters.
PRICE. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper Richard James (Dick) Price, killed in action in France, 22nd July, 1917.
Though lost to sight, to memory ever dear.
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. E. and Mr. W. R. Wilson.
PRICE. — In loving memory of Sapper R. J. Price (Dick), killed in action in France, 22nd July, 1917.
Peace, perfect peace.
Inserted by his loving aunt and uncle, A. and G. Campbell.
PRICE. — In loving memory of Sapper R. J. Price (Dick), killed in action in France. 22nd July, 1917.
His memory lives within the heart of one who loved him dear.
Inserted by his cousin, L. Sheffield.
The British War Medal was available to the Commandant 1st M.D. for issue to his father from 27 May 1921.
The pamphlet “Where The Australians Rest” was sent to his father on 2 June 1921.
The Brisbane Courier, Queensland - Friday 22 July 1921:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. — In loving memory of our dear son, Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, killed in action in France, 22nd July, 1917.
Gone from us, but loving memories
Death can never take away;
Memorial that will always linger
While upon this earth we stay.
Inserted by his loving father, mother, brother, sisters.
PRICE.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, killed in action in France on the 22nd July, 1917.
Death divides, memory clings.
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. E. and Mr. W. H. Wilson.
His mother received 3 copies of a photograph of Richards grave from Base Records on 5 December 1921.
The Memorial Plaque was forwarded to his father on 1 September 1922. The Memorial Scroll and King’s Message were received by father on 3 April 1923 and the Victory Medal was received on 21 May 1923.
The Brisbane Courier, Queensland - Tuesday 22 July 1924:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. — In loving memory of Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, dearly-loved eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Price, Oxley, killed in action, in France, 22nd July, 1917.
Ever remembered.
Inserted by his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers.
PRICE.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, killed in action, in France, on the 22nd July, 1917.
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, E. and W. H. Wilson.
The Brisbane Courier, Queensland - Wednesday 22 July 1925:
ROLL OF HONOUR
PRICE. — In loving memory of Sapper R. J. (Dick) Price, dearly loved eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Price, Oxley, killed in action, in France, 22nd July, 1917.
Sadly missed.
Inserted by his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers.
Richard James Price's name is located at Panel 27 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial
His service is also commemorated on the Corinda Sherwood Shire Roll of Honor located in WestsideHQ (formerly Sherwood Services Club), Clewley Street, Corinda, and on the Graceville War Memorial on Oxley Road.
The Virtual War Memorial Australia (vwma.org.au) also profiles his service:
Richard Price was the son of James and Adelaide Price who lived at Oxley. As a boy he attended Oxley State School. At the time of his enlistment, Richard gave his occupation as railway shunter. He was 22 years old.
Richard was originally drafted into the Engineers but was subsequently drafted into the 3rd Tunnelling Company as a sapper. Tunnelling companies were being formed from 1916 onwards in a response by the military to take the war underground. Tunnellers were engaged in offensive and defensive mining operations under the front lines. The effects of their work can still be seen today in the mine craters around Hill 60 and the Caterpillar, Ypres in Belgium and the Lochnager Crater near Albert on the Somme in France. Tunnelling was a highly skilled occupation and Richard, along with the reinforcements for 3rd Tunnelling Company spent some time at Seymour in Victoria during the second half of 1916 in training. He was granted home leave prior to embarkation and his file records that he was AWL during this time and fined 10 shillings.
Richard Price, along with a contingent of reinforcements for various engineer, tunnelling and pioneer units sailed from Melbourne in January 1917 and arrived in Plymouth in March of that year. By April, Richard and the other reinforcements were in the vast British Expeditionary Force camp at Etaples in France.
On 1st May, Richard joined the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company which was stationed at the front near Loos. The tunnellers were engaged in mining operations under Hill 70 as well as constructing dugouts in the walls of the quarries around Noeux-le-Mines.
On 22nd of July, Richard Price was struck in the head by a shell fragment from a German 5.9 Howitzer. Red Cross reports of the incident state that he was waiting well behind the lines with his mate, Sid Turner, for transport back to their billet when a shell landed close by. He was buried at a nearby cemetery, Hersin Communal Cemetery, with a chaplain present. There are 55 Australians buried at Hersin, 54 of them from the 3rd Tunnelling Company. Several members of the unit wrote to Richard’s family in Oxley after his death. His best mate, Sid Turner was reported to be particularly overcome at his death.
Sapper Richard James Price is commemorated on the Oxley War Memorial, Brisbane; and rests with his mates at Hersin Communal Cemetery south of Lille, France. He is also commemorated in the name of Price Street, opposite the lower oval of Oxley State School on Oxley Road.
Courtesy of Ian Lang, Mango Hill
Adelaide Ellen Price died in Queensland in 1951.
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