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At St Helen's Church, Sefton, Merseyside.

He's named on a memorial in St Philip's Church, Litherland. www.angloboerwar.com/forum/17-memorials-...rch-litherland#51571

My thanks to scouseandy for posting a photo of the gravestone as it originally looked. www.angloboerwar.com/forum/7-genealogy-



A lecture, illustrated by limelight views was delivered by the Rev. G. H. Lander, M.A., vicar of St. Philip's, in the Mission Hall, Linacre-road, Litherland, on Saturday evening. The hall was crowded, many people being unable to obtain admission. Over 100 views, all bearing on the war in South Africa, were shown. During the interval, Mr. Richard Williams, of Eaton-avenue, Litherland, who has now gone to South Africa with the Lancashire Hussars, was presented with a pair of field glasses and case. The vicar, on handing them to Mr. Williams, said he hoped he would have a safe journey and a speedy return to his native village, and wished him God-speed. Mr. Williams feelingly thanked those who had subscribed to buy the glasses. Coffee was then served out from the men's club coffee stall. At the close of the lecture a collection was taken on behalf of the Litherland War Relief Fund. The proceeds of the men's coffee stall for the week was also given to the fund. At the conclusion the whole assembly sang "God Save the Queen." Mrs. Parkinson presided at the coffee stall. Mr. Leslie Glover was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the satisfactory manner in which he showed the views. The men's club will pay all expenses incurred by the entertainment, so that all money collected will go to the relief fund.

Bootle Times, 3rd February 1900


A crowded audience assembled in St. Philip's Mission Hall, Litherland, on Saturday evening, to witness a series of limelight views, illustrative of scenes in Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange Free State Republics, provided by Mr. Leslie Glover. Upwards of 100 pictures were shown, and ther explanations given by the Vicar, the Rev. G. H. Lander, descriptive of these countries, their history, peoples, and habits, and scenes from the theatre of war formed a most enjoyable and instructive programme. The proceeds will be devoted to the War Relief Fund, as well as the receipts from the Men's Club Coffee Stall, generously provided by Mrs. Parkinson, which by the way was well patronised. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the entertainment was the presentation to Trooper Richard Williams, who has been associated with St. Philip's School from a boy, and who is one of the selected volunteers with the Lancashire Hussars contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry, with a pair of binocular field glasses in case. This ceremony took place in the interval, and Mr. Williams' presence in his khaki uniform created much enthusiasm. The movement was first initiated by Mr. W. Lindsay, who subscribed one-half of the cost, the balance being contributed by the Vicar and others connected with the parish and Men's Club. The Vicar, in making the presentation, said that on behalf of Mr. Lindsay and the other subscribers, he had very great pleasure in handing to Mr. Williams the gift, with their hearty good wishes. Litherland had reason to be proud in being so well represented at the front, and they ought to thank God that so many volunteers were coming forward and offering themselves for their Queen and country, thus saving them from conscription, which otherwise would have to be resorted to. Trooper Williams briefly thanked the subscribers for the gift, which had been given to him so unexpectedly. He felt proud of it, and would value it highly while on active service. He reciprocated their good wishes for his safe return. The Vicar observed that they would all follow Mr. Williams' career with the closest attention. He was expected to sail with the Lancashire Hussars on Tuesday, and before he left them, which he was obliged to do, having such a short time to spend with his friends, he would ask them to bow their heads while he commended their brother and his comrades to the protection of the All Mighty God. While prayer was being offered, many wept at the solemnity of the scene thus presented, but this quickly gave place to hearty cheers as Mr. Williams left the hall a few minutes later, looking happy and cheerful at being able to respond to his Queen and country's call. Mr. Williams sailed with the rest of the Lancashire Hussars in the Lake Erie on Tuesday night, this vessel having only just left the builders' hands, and will thus perform her maiden voyage in the service of the Admiralty authorities. She is an ideal ship for the conveyance of cavalry, and the mounted "Tommies" should enjoy an immunity from the inconveniences which those transported in the earlier stages of the war suffered.

Waterloo & Crosby Herald, 3rd February 1900


Litherland has been profoundly touched by the death of Trooper Richard Williams, who volunteered for the front, and was sent home suffering from the ravages of enteric. He never really recovered, and his struggle with the fatal disease has been anxiously watched by a very large circle of friends. At his funeral in Sefton on Saturday there gathered in unprecedented numbers for the quiet village, councillors as well as those of humbler rank all joining to attest both their personal affection for a popular neighbour and their admiration for a brave man who had done his duty and fallen a victim to the chances of war. Mr. Harry Williams, father of the deceased, was one of the original members of the Seaforth and Litherland Working Men's Conservative Club, and the members expressed their appreciation of the young man's patriotism on his return from the front by making him a life member and presenting him with a pipe. On Tuesday they were called together, under the presidency of Mr. W. A. Cookson, to pass the following resolution : - "That the members of the Seaforth and Litherland Working Men's Conservative Club beg to tender their heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Harry Williams and his family on the death of his son, Trooper Richard Williams, Duke of Lancaster's Hussars, who recently returned from South Africa, and who died on 27th November at Linacre Hospital of enteric fever, contracted during his service at the front." A movement has been started to perpetuate his memory by placing a suitable granite stone over the grave. The proposal is referred to in a letter in another column, and we are sure it will meet with a ready reception. For our part we shall be pleased to received any subscription with which our readers may care to entrust us, and to forward them to the treasurer.

Waterloo & Crosby Herald, 7th December 1901



On Saturday last a most impressive funeral took place at Sefton Parish Church, when the remains of Richard Williams (late of the Lancashire Hussars Imperial Yeomanry and of South Africa) were laid in their last resting-place in the presence of a very large concourse of his friends. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Sherwood Jones, curate of St. Philip's, Litherland, and the organist of Sefton Parish Church, Mr. Jos. Cryer, presided at the organ, playing a military funeral march as the body was carried to the church, and the Dead March in "Saul" as it was carried to the grave. The principal mourners were Mr. and Mrs. H. Williams (father and mother), Messrs. John, William, and George Williams (brothers), Miss Williams and Mrs. Cunningham (sisters), Mr. Cunningham (brother-in-law), Mr. G. T. Bruce (uncle), Mrs. Blundell, Mrs. Roberts, and Mrs. Evans (aunts), Miss Blundell, Miss Savage. Amongst those at the graveside were Councillors John Clay, Thomas Evans, and B. Bradley. Messrs. M. Bradley, F. Roberts, H. S. Neale, W. Bradley, R. Armstrong, W. Quigg, G. Bark, W. Smith, R. Shacklady, Bert Edwards, John Berry, D. Montgomerie, S. Ormisher, C. C. Cain, F. Murphy, and Private Bond. Wreaths were sent by the following: - Mr. and Mrs. H. Williams, his brother Jack, Bert Edwards, his sister Maggie, Polly and Agnes, Seaforth Conservative Club, Mrs. Clark, John Blundell, his aunt Helen, Mrs. Rose, Mr. and Mrs. B. Bradley, W. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. McLeon and family, E. and F. Sampson, Working Staff Castle Hotel, Maids at Nortenseer, Councillor John Clay, Fred Lord, Geo. Lathom, from Minnie (12, Hereford-road), R. Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. James, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bates, Miss Chesters, Mr. and Mrs. Barnby, Mr. T. Brew, from his Fellow Workmen, and one not named. The bearers were Messrs. F. Lord, W. McLeon, E. Bradley, and John Webster.



SIR, - This gallant young soldier, who saw a good deal of service in South Africa, and who was widely known in Waterloo and district, I deeply regret to say passed away on Wednesday, 27th ult., at the home of his father, Bridge-road, Litherland. Trooper Williams contracted enteric fever at Kimberley, and was invalided home about six months ago. He only made a partial recovery - the trouble had taken too deep a hold - and the brave young spirit flashed out. Dick Williams was known and loved by both young and old, his breezy manner, kindly and happy temperament, made him a general favourite in the neighbourhood. There is a deep and widespread feeling that something should be done to perpetuate his memory, and it is suggested that a suitable tombstone be erected in Sefton Churchyard, where his remains were laid on Saturday last. I might add here that more than three hundred people assembled round the grave, all eager to pay their last tribute of respect and love. Mr. Wm. Affleck Cookson, J.P., C.C., is taking a sympathetic interest in the idea of a memorial, and I shall be pleased to receive any contributions for the object named, or, if more suitable to the subscribers, these can be paid into the London City and Midland Bank, Waterloo Branch, South-road. These subscriptions will be duly acknowledged in the columns of the "Herald."

I feel sure that a worthy response will be made to this appeal, and I would like to add that I should wish all classes to contribute, so that the memorial may be thoroughly representative. Subscriptions from one shilling upwards will be gladly received. This is all we can do now, and I have greatly mistaken the Waterloo and Seaforth public if they fail to give the little in memory of the brave lad who gave all, even life itself, for his King and country. - Yours, etc.,
Waterloo & Crosby Herald, 7th December 1901



The following amounts have been contributed since last week towards the Trooper Williams Memorial Fund: - Mr. Councillor W. A. Cookson, J.P., C.C., 10s.; "Sympathiser," H. S. 15s.; Mr. Councillor Pearson, 5s.; Mr. Wanstall, 5s.; Mr. Hugh Banner, 5s.; Mr. Will. Banner, 5s.; Mr. Walter Scott, 5s.; Mr. James Pomfery, 2s.; "Sympathising Friends," M. P. and A. J., 4s.; "Sympathising Friend," F. M. L, 2s. 6d.; Mr. F. L. Jones, 2s. 6d. With previous contributions it will be seen that they make up quite a respectable figure, while other subscriptions are likely to come in yet. The grave is in a conspicuous position at Sephton, and the intention is to erect a marble headstone with suitable inscription, with marble kerb and footstone.

Waterloo & Crosby Herald, 1st February 1902

Been catching up on some posts and really enjoyed reading this post, Berenice, Many thanks

Cheers, David. I did send 'scouseandy' a message to let him know, especially as he seems to be related to Williams, but no response.