Gunner Richard Wood, Royal Garrison Artillery

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in March 1915 that Richard Wood is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915 it notes, Wood, Gnr R, RGA, France and then in December 1917, Wood, Bomb[ardier] R, RGA.  This information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919. 

The 1901 census of England and Wales reveals a three year old Richard Wood at North Common.  He and his nine year old brother Frank, are noted as the grandsons of 77 year old Joseph Hatfield.  The household comprised Joseph (noted as an agricultural labourer, despite his age), his 66 year old wife Susannah; a son, James Hatfield (aged 31 and working as a market gardener), a daughter, Lily M Hatfield (aged 18) and the two grandsons.  Whether this Richard Wood is the same man mentioned in Chailey’s Parish Magazine 13 years later is unclear.