Thrandeston History Group

Richard LEE (1883 - 1915)

Richard was born in 1883 in Chippenham, Cambridgeshire to the Reverend Arthur George and Clara LEE. His father was the Vicar of Chippenham. He was 1 of 6 children, 1 of whom died in infancy. One of Richard’s brothers, Edward was also killed in World War 1.

In 1891 Richard was 8 and a scholar. He was living with his family at West House, West Street, Walsham Le Willow. His father was listed as a Clerk in Holy Orders, Rector of Longham.

He was sent to Haileybury College in Great Amwell, Hertfordshire and is listed there on the 1901 census as a student age 18. When he left Haileybury, he studied at Oriel College, Oxford. He then went on to work at Quidenham Rectory for Rev. Garnier carrying out private tuition.

Richard married Ella Steensen in the Church of Our Saviour, Vejle, Denmark in 1910. His residence was given as Southwold. In 1911, he was living in Southwold with his wife and was a Private Tutor. His wife Ella was assisting in the teaching of the students they had living with them.

In 1912, Richard’s wife gave birth to their son Edward Kristian LEE.

It is not clear when Richard enlisted but his medal card has the information Comm. 30-11-14. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Suffolk Regiment when he died on 13 October 1915 at the age of 32. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the British medal and Victory medal. He is commemorated at Loos memorial in France.

In Memory Of
Second Lieutenant
RICHARD LEE
10th Bn. attd. 7th Bn., Suffolk Regiment who died on 13 October 1915 Age 32
Son of the Rev. A. G. Lee, of Thrandeston Rectory, Diss, Norfolk; husband of Ella Wilson (formerly Lee, nee Steensen), of
“Kirnan”, St. Andrews, Fife.
Remembered with Honour
LOOS MEMORIAL
Panel 37 and 38.
COMMEMORATED IN PERPETUITY BY THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES

Loos Memorial (CWGC)