Bradley, Richard Leonard

Richard Bradley was born on September 1, 1894 in Webbwood, Ontario to parents Charles and Eliza Bradley. He had four sisters, Alma, Hazel, Anne and Eva, and one brother, Robert. The Bradley family moved westward for a time, settling in the Medicine Hat District. They later returned to Ontario, but Richard stayed on, settling in Carmangay where he worked as a farm labourer. On October 12, 1915, Richard Bradley enlisted with the 13th Canadian Mounted Rifles at Calgary. Pte Bradley arrived in England on July 6, 1916, and while in England the 13th C.M.R. was disbanded. He remained in England training until May 4, 1917, when he was sent to France. Upon arrival, Pte Bradley was taken on strength by the prestigious Fort Garry Horse. He would serve with this unit for the next ten months, seeing action in several key battles of the First World War. In March 1918, Pte Bradley was severely wounded in action and evacuated to Rouen, where he died of wounds on March 25, 1918. He was laid to rest at Villers-Cotterets French National Cemetery. Pte Bradley was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Eliza received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son