contact responded quickly initially but nothing for 2 days since I asked if she had certs or parish register info. Still waiting.

I ordered the certificate and it arrived today. Inconclusive I'm aftraid as he died in Belfast hospital and the doctor was the informant. His occupation was down as labourer - not a million miles from shepheard. No mention of an army number or formerly soldier. The only thing that fits is name and age. That's probably the end of the line for Richard.