Private Robert Herbert Riley.
27415 8th Border Regiment.
Died of Wounds 22nd October 1916, aged 26.
Robert was born in the Dec quarter of 1890 in Burnley. The son of John Riley and Margaret Wainscott. The family lived at 85 Abel St, Burnley in the 1891 census, John 27 butcher, Margaret 26, Mary 4, Robert H 6 months, Edward L 20 boat builder, and Mary A 10, an adopted sister. All born in Burnley except Mary who was born in Huddersfield, Burnley.
In the 1901 census Robert was living with his grandfather William Wainscott at 38 Healey Wood Rd, Burnley.
Robert Married Lily Ainscow St James Church, Burnley on the 14th June 1913. Robert was living at 12 Ridge Row at the time of his marriage.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 4th November 1916: OUR FALLEN HEROES. BRIERCLIFFE SOLDIERS DEATH.
Mrs Riley of 16 Back Halifax Road Briercliffe, has just received official information of the death of her husband Private R H Riley 27415, Border Regiment, who died of wounds on October 22nd. Private Riley who was 26 years of age, enlisted on June 1st last in the King's Own Royal Lancaster’s. But on August 28th he was sent abroad and transferred to the Border Regiment. The family came to Briercliffe some 2 years ago from Burnley. Private Riley was formerly employed as a weaver by the Queen Street Manufacturing Company. He was connected with St Mary's RC Church Burnley, and greatly respected. He leaves a widow and one child.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 20 October 1917: IN MEMORIAM
RILEY.- In loving memory of my dear husband Private R H Riley, of the Border Regiment, who died from wounds received in Action on October 22nd 1916, aged 26 years.
Friends may think that we forget you.
When at times they see us smile.
But they little know of the heartache.
That is with us all the while.
From his wife and child 16 Back Halifax Road Briercliffe, near Burnley.
From the Burnley News dated 1st and 4th November 1916: NATIVE OF BURNLEY. FORMER BRIERCLIFFE WEAVER DIES OF WOUNDS.
Mrs Riley, 16 Back Halifax Road Briercliffe has received information that her husband, Private R H Riley has died of wounds in the 76th Field Ambulance France. He enlisted on 1st of June 1916 and went to France August 20th 1916. He enlisted in The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment but was transferred to the 6th Border Regiment when drafted to France. He was a weaver at Queen Street Manufacturing Company's Mill, Harle Syke. He was 26 years of age and was a native of Burnley. He went to reside at Briercliffe about two years ago. He was connected with St Mary's RC Church in Burnley and was well respected by all who knew him. He leaves a widow and one child.
Lived at 16 Back Halifax Road, Briercliffe.
Robert left his effects to his wife Lily.
Robert was buried in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Ext., France: Grave Ref; II.I.9. Son of John and Maggie Riley, of Burnley; husband of Lily Riley, of 16 Back, Halifax Rd., Briercliffe, Burnley.