Bawden, Richard Philip

Richard Bawden was born in Kingston, Ontario to parents Henry and Elizabeth Bawden on June 9, 1887. He was the youngest of six children including Joseph, Susan, Lucy, George and Angela. In 1906, the Bawden family moved from Ontario to Lethbridge, Alberta. At time of enlistment, Richard was employed as a clerk at the Bawden Brothers store in Lethbridge. On May 10, 1915, Richard Bawden enlisted with the 20th Battery 5th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery CEF in Lethbridge, Alberta. Shortly thereafter, he traveled to Kingston and upon completion of courses at the artillery school, he was commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant. He began the journey overseas with the 20th Battery on June 29, 1915. By January 19, 1916, Lieutenant Bawden was serving with the battery on the front lines in France. He was hospitalized with diphtheria but upon his recovery, returned to the front, where he served for more than two years with both the 20th and 60th Batteries CFA. In August 1917, Lieutenant Bawden was promoted to the rank of Captain. On August 10, 1918 Captain Bawden was killed in action near the Somme. He was laid to rest at Beaucourt British Cemetery. Richard Bawden was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal, which were sent to his brother Joseph along with a death plaque in honour of his sacrifice