Richard Battersby and Gladys Battersby

Richard Weir Battersby, service number 63539

This studio portrait shows Corporal Richard Weir Battersby and his wife Gladys Francis Maude Battersby (nee Williamson). 

Richard was almost 24 years old when he attested for service. Married to Gladys Frances Maud Williamson since 1915,  they were living in Pitt Street, Wadestown, and he was employed as a clerk in the city.  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.