Fred Riley had been born in Marple and still lived there with his aunt and uncle, Mr & Mrs Edwin Davies, at 20 Stone Row. He had previously been a regular soldier, until about 1906, when he returned to the area and worked as labourer on the canal. Fred's father is understood to have died and his mother had married a Mr Kennedy and moved to Bramall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove.

He was recalled to the colours when war was declared on 4 August 1914 and was quickly sent overseas with the Battalion. He is reported to have been wounded in the ankle during the Battle of Mons, on 23 August, and spent time recovering in a French hospital.

Fred was again wounded and taken prisoner. This is almost certain to have been during the fighting around La Bassee, in mid October, which is described here. He died whilst at a prisoner of war camp.

(NB: Fred's personal information is taken from "Remembered" by P Clarke, A Cook,& J Bintliff, which contains further details)