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Richard Weir Battersby and Gladys Battersby
This studio portrait shows Corporal Richard Weir Battersby, service number 63539 and his wife Gladys Francis Maude Battersby (nee Williamson) posing with a book.
Richard's name was drawn in the fourth conscription ballot and was almost 24 years old when he attested for service. He married Gladys Frances Maud Williamson on 31 August 1915. The couple was living in Pitt Street, Wadestown, and Richard was employed as a clerk in the Railways Department.
Richard embarked from Wellington with the 43rd Reinforcements, on 2 October 1918, arriving in England three weeks after the Armistice on 5 December 1918.
Richard remained in England until September 1919, when he left for New Zealand with 'Returning Draft No. 288' on the troopship Ionic, and disembarked at Wellington on 25 October.
Richard and Gladys lived most of their long lives together in Wadestown, with many immediate family living nearby. Richard was involved in the Wadestown Chess Club and the Wadestown & Highland Park Mens' Club. The family was also involved in the Wadestown Horticultural Society - earlier named the Wadestown Cottage Garden and Beautifying Society. Richard and Gladys both lived until 1980. Richard was 86 years old when he died, Gladys was 88.