Cyril Richard Ward was born in the September Quarter of1884, and registered in Stockport (Cheshire Birth indexes HAZ/18/36), the son of Richard Potts Ward and Rose Anna Claxton who married in St. John’s Church, Chelford, (Cheshire East 1022/1/4) in 1865.
Cyril Richard was the last born of their 10 children shown on the 1901 census and he was the youngest son of Richard and Rose Anna Ward.
The 1891 census shows him living with his family at 20 Heath Bank Road, Cheadle, Cheshire. His father Richard P. Ward, 47, was an Organising Secretary born Siddington, Cheshire, his wife Rose A., 44 had been born in Wells, Norfolk. Daughter Charlotte L. 23, Single and a Governess at School had been born in West Gorton, Lancashire., as had son Alfred J., 22 and a Lay Reader. Daughter Edithe R., 20, single was a Day Governess at a school. Mary N., 18 and single had been born in Bilton, Yorkshire. Rose M., 16 had been born in Leck, Lancashire, as had Howard E., 14, Florence M., 12, Ethelwyn, 11 and Constance M, 9, the last 4 were at school. Son Cyril R., 6 and born in Bramhall, Cheshire was also at School.
1901 sees the family living at 136, Nantwich Road, Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire, nearly all with differing places of birth to the previous census. Richard P Ward, was now working in Direct Technical Instruction (School) and born Presbury, Cheshire. Wife Rose was now 54. Daughter Charlotte, 33, Single and an Asst. Secy. Technical Instruction (School), born Manchester, Lancs. Rose M, 26 had Parish Visitor written as her occupation, but crossed out. Daughter Ethelwyn, 21 was, like Charlotte, an Asst. Secy. Technical Instruction (School), Constance M 19, had been born in St. Michaels on Wym, Lancs. Son Cyril R. Ward, 16 had been born in Cheadle, Cheshire. There was a General Servant, Rose M. Rorsley.
The 1911 census shows that Cyril had moved for work, this time to Old Trafford, Manchester. He was 28, single and a Boarder, working as a Electrical Engineer (Dynamo Test Dept., Electrical Engineers.) in the household of a widow Jessie Baron and her son Cyril Baron at 491, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Lancashire (8 Rooms).
His mother and father had also moved to 4, Hough Green, Chester and Richard Potts Ward, 67 was Director of Education for the County of Chester. He and Rose Anna, 64 had been married 45 years and 13 children had been born to them, 10 of whom were still living. Daughter Florence Mary, 32 and single was the only child left in the household. There were 2 servants..
A very comprehensive bio is given in the UK, Electrical Engineer WWI and WWII Rolls of Honour, 1924, 1949 – Please click on the link to read his bio from the above.
Cyril Richard Ward in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 confirms his regimental information and he was Killed in Action (Shot through the heart and died instantly according to the above website.)
C R Ward in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 Does not give a Legatee, but £45. 9s 6d was transferred on the 25th September 1916 and in July 1916 £1.2s 0d and in August 1916 £12.12s 0d to C.R Base.
Cyril Richard Ward in the British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 tells us that his first Theatre of was (1), (probably France) and he entered it on the 190th April 1916. Written on the reverse of the card – Address – Mother Mrs R.P WARD, Haslington Vicarage, Crewe
Cyril Richard Ward in the England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966 :- WARD, Cyril Richard of 4 Hough Green, Chester second-lietenant 3rd line East Lancashire division Royal Engineers died 14th July 1916 in France. Administrtaion (with Will) Chester 10th October to Richard Potts WARD gentleman. Effects £58. 12s 11d.
Officers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1919 – Cyril Richard Ward is named in the book on page 210 – WARD, Cyril Richard, 2/Lt., k. in a. 14/7/16 (www.naval-military-press.com)
His loss must have been felt so much as he was the youngest son and the family had already lost 3 other children when they were young.