Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Richard Earl Harrison was born in Wangaratta, Victoria in approximately December 1894. His attestation paper shows that he was unmarried, worked as a Clerk and of Roman Catholic faith. He nominated his mother, Mrs. Annie Harrison who resided at 10 Gertude Street Fitzroy as his next of kin. His records described him as having fair complexion, fair hair, grey eyes, and a distinctive scar on his left forearm. Richard enlisted 6 January 1915 aged 20.

On 8 June 1915, Richard was formally appointed to the 7th Reinforcements of the 4th Light Horse Regiment. He embarked for active service abroad HMAT A21 Marere on 16 August 1915 heading to Egypt. 

On 25 October 1915, Richard arrived at Gallipoli and was taken on strength by the 9th Light Horse Regiment, which had already suffered heavy casualties at Hill 60 (August Offensive 1915). Richard’s unit was engaged in defensive trench warfare near Cheshire Ridge and Hill 60 supporting the ANZAC. On 20 December 1915 Richard was evacuated from Gallipoli via Mudros to Alexandria part of the final evacuations from ANZAC Cove.

Richard, in early 1916, was reassigned to the 3rd Light Horse Reserve Regiment at Heliopolis. He briefly transferred to the 5th Division Artillery and then to the 53rd Battalion, part of the 14th Brigade, 5th Division. On 19 June 1916, he embarked for France arriving in Marseilles on 20 June.

Richard’s battalion entered the trenches near Fleurbaix in early July to acclimate to Western Front conditions. On 19 July 1916, he participated in the Battle of Fromelles, one of the most devastating battles for Australian forces. The 53rd Battalion advanced across open ground toward German lines and suffered 625 casualties. Richard survived the assault continuing to serve in the Fromelles sector for two more months, performing trench rotations and fatigue duties under constant shellfire. 

From October to December 1916, Richard’s unit moved to the Somme Valley, enduring freezing temperatures, trench foot, and low morale. In November, Richard was charged for not having his hair cut short as it was a hygiene requirement to prevent lice. He was confined to barracks for two days.

In 1916 December, Richard was granted leave to the United Kingdom and detached to the A.I.F. Administrative Headquarters, Horseferry Road London. His clerical background likely influenced this assignment, where he would have managed personnel records and other logistical duties. He accompanied the Senior Bishop of Law during an extended leave period, indication a trusted administrative role.

On 12 January 1918, Richard joined the 14th Training Battalion at Codford for refresher training. A month later, he transferred to the Australian Flying Corps, marking a shift to aviation service. On March 1918, he crossed the channel to France, and joined the 2nd Squadron AFC, which operated SE-5a aircraft in ground attach and reconnaissance roles during the German Spring Offensive.

Richard was remustered as a 2nd Air Mechanic on 17 May 1918, responsible for engine maintenance and aircraft logistics. His technical duties supported frontline operations showing the evolving nature of war and the importance of air support. 

Richard on 2 August 1918 later faced minor disciplinary actions in late 1918, including forfeiture of 21 days’ pay for illegal possession and disposal of government property and 7 days’ confinement for missing a working parade (13/11/18).

Richard survived the war and returned to Australia aboard the H.T. Kaiser-i-Hind disembarking in Melbourne on 16 June. He was formally discharged on 11 October his total service spanning over four years encompassing Gallipoli, the Western Front, and aviation ground support with the AFC.

Richard lived a long postwar life, working as an accountant. He passed away on 22 January 1982 aged 87-88. He was buried at Ballarat General Cemetery and Crematorium, Victoria, in the plot LAWN.G.7.32 which he shares with his wife Eileen Nora McMahon Harrison.