Source: Originally attested, per the 1915 Nominal Roll, as a Sergeant. Was promoted to Temp. Lieutenant May, 1916 (per War Diary).
Distinguished Service Order, Mentioned in Despatches.
Lt. John James Richardson, Inf.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. When his senior officers had become casualties, he led his men with great courage and determination to the final objective, and consolidated the position. Later, he captured many prisoners.
Source: London Gazette issue 29824 page 11044 dated November 14, 1916.
Source: May 1916 War Diary. May 26th was promoted to temporary lieutenant. Attested as a Sergeant and rose to rank of Major.
Obituary courtesy of Darryl Bonk
John J. Richardson
PRESTON — John James Richardson, 69, of 140 Church St. North, Preston, died today at his home. Born in Dumfries, Scotland, he lived in Preston for 15 years, prior to that he resided in Toronto and Kitchener. He was formerly employed with the provincial government in Toronto and the Royal Trust Company there. While serving as a major overseas in the First World War, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross. He was a past president of the Canadian Legion in Kitchener and a member of the Preston Legion. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Nispe; one sister, Mrs. Harold (Hilda) Ballantyne of Kitchener and two sisters in Scotland. The funeral will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Stager-Barthel Funeral Home. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery. The body is at the Stager-Barthel Funeral Home.
Source: Kitchener-Waterloo Record. 27 May 1960. pg 7. Note the mention of the Military Cross as being awarded to this man is incorrect. From his World War 1 service record he earned the DSO and a MID.
| To: O.C. Commanding York [18th Bn.] | From: J.J. Richardson[i], Objective 2nd Enemy Line |
| Time: 9.41 am. | Reference: 4th C.I.B. War Diary Appendix 109 dated September 15, 1916. |
| Message: Am building second line connecting shell holes 50 yards in rear of front line. Mr. Lloyd[ii] with B. Co. is looking after this. I myself have parts of A, C & D companies in front line.[iii] Have one Machine Gun (Boche) but don’t know how to work it. M.G. organization not very good, otherwise everything alright. Have good connection with H.L.I.[iv] on right and 20th Bn. on left. |
[i] Lieutenant J.J. Richardson was to earn the Distinguished Service Order. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry in action. When his senior officers had become casualties, he led his men with great courage and determination to the final objective, and consolidated the position. Later, he captured many prisoners. Source: London Gazette issue 29824 page 11044 dated November 14, 1916.
[ii] Lloyd, Ernest Robert Vivian: Service no. 53352 (Capt.)
[iii] This is an interesting statement by such a junior officer. It may indicate that the more senior officers of those companies have been disabled and he has assumed overall command of the companies due to casualties.
[iv] 10/11th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry of the 15th Scottish Division. On the 18th Battalions right.
War Diary of the 18th Battalion CEF 
John J. Richardson
PRESTON — John James Richardson, 69, of 140 Church St. North, Preston, died today at his home. Born in Dumfries, Scotland, he lived in Preston for 15 years, prior to that he resided in Toronto and Kitchener. He was formerly employed with the provincial government in Toronto and the Royal Trust Company there. While serving as a major overseas in the First World War, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross. He was a past president of the Canadian Legion in Kitchener and a member of the Preston Legion. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Nispe; one sister, Mrs. Harold (Hilda) Ballantyne of Kitchener and two sisters in Scotland. The funeral will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Stager-Barthel Funeral Home. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery. The body is at the Stager-Barthel Funeral Home.
Kitchener-Waterloo Record 27 May 1960 pg 7
John,
I have included this obit in his soldier’s page. Thank you for submitting it. I believe you did that at Facebook.
Eric
This was my great uncle. His sister Hilda Ballantyne was my grandmother from Kitchener. She was married to Col. Harold Ballantyne. He had no children
Leslie,
IF you have any biographical information to add for this soldier I would much appreciate it. Also, be on the lookout as I am writing a blog post in which your relative is part of.
Eric