The Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Appeal for Relatives - Richard John Draper

 

The second appeal from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is for Driver Richard John Draper, who served with the Royal Army Service Corps, 3 Divisional Ammunition Company, and died on 1^st June 1940.

Richard, 35, was a survivor of the bombing of Dunkirk, and he was evacuated back to the UK, whilst he was at Usk, Monmouthshire, Richard was knocked down.  Whilst being transported to hospital, Richard died.  Richard was buried at St. Peters

The South Wales Daily Post had several articles printed referring to Richard.

South Wales Daily Post 
3rd June 1940

South Wales Daily Post 
4th June 1940

South Wales Daily Post 
7th June 1940

South Wales Daily Post 
10th June 1940

Born in 1906, Richard was the son of John Draper and Beatrice Griffiths.  At the time of the 1911 census, the family was residing at 22 Barnsbury Terrace.

1911 Census

John, 35, is a haulier.  Beatrice is 33 years old.  Children are William B., 13; Beatrice D., 11; Henrietta, 9; Richard J., 6; Queenie, 3 and 1-year-old Otto C. 

1921 Census

At the time of the 1921 Census, the family was still residing at 22, with some of the older children having moved out of the family home, John, 45 is still a haulier.  Beatrice is 43.  Richard John, 16, is also employed as a haulier. Otto Charles, 11; Edward George, 9; Edith, 4 and Ronald, 2.  John died in 1936.

1939 Register

Beatrice at the time of the 1939 Register is still living at 22. Present at the address are three children, Edith, who works at Marks and Spencer; Edward G. who is employed as a Tar Distiller & Oil ‘Nefiner’ and Donald who is a General Labourer.

Richard John Draper and Bessie Irene Jones
marriage certificate

Richard John Draper married Bessie Irene Jones on 15^th February 1928 at St. John-juxta.