Remembering Rifleman (Signaller) Richard Francis Kenny

Rifleman (Signaller) Richard Francis Kenny

Richard Francis Kenny was born around 1894 (second quarter) in St Asaph, North Wales. He was a choir boy in St Asaph’s Cathedral before he came to Littleborough circa 1907. He had an aunt, Mary Whitehead (nee Kenny), living at Hollingworth.

The 1901 census notes that he was living with his Aunt, Annie Mosley (28), at 23 Exchange Street, Ramsbottom. It is now known that Anne was in fact his mother and she lived until 1930.

On moving to Littleborough he lodged at 9 Joseph Street. In 1911 he was boarding at 8 Wellington Terrace, Littleborough and was employed as a Cotton Weaver. He became a member of the Littleborough Parish Church Choir as a treble soloist until his voice broke when he became a bass vocalist. Richard was a teacher in the Sunday School, a sergeant in the Church Lad's Brigade and was also a member of the Littleborough Male Glee Club, of which he was the conductor. He also joined the Littleborough Volunteer Force.

Prior to enlisting in November 1914 Rifleman Kenny was a warehouseman at Frankfort Mill, Durn, Littleborough. He went to France one year later but after only a few months, 21-year-old Rifleman C/1031 Richard Francis Kenny, 16th Battalion (Church Lads Brigade Bn) of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps was killed in France on Friday 28 January 1916 at Bethune (Factory trench) during a heavy bombardment by German artillery.

Rifleman F Horrocks of the same battalion wrote to a friend in Littleborough and said that: "Signalman Kenny along with three other lads were in the signallers dug-out when a shell dropped on it, killing all four instantaneously.

“Dick was liked by all he came into contact with, and it is a hard blow losing him.”

The Rochdale Observer dated 16 February reported that here was a crowded congregation at a memorial service held in the Church of the Holy Trinity on Sunday 13 February 1916 in memory of Signaller R F Kenny and Rifleman Tom Rushton, both of whom were killed in France.

Members of the Littleborough Volunteer Defence Corp and Glee Club with who Signaller Kenny was associated were present. The 'Dead March in Saul' was played.

His name is on the Parish Church War Memorial, the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – Voluntary Section (now in the History Centre) and on the Cenotaph in Littleborough, the St Asaph War Memorial as well as being on Panel 101 and 102 Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.