Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

The South Eastern Times (Millicent, SA: 1906 - 1954) Tuesday 4 April 1916

A SURPRISE FOR THE STATION MASTER.

On Thursday afternoon the children of the Millicent public school sprang a surprise on Mr R. K. Humphris, by marching to the railway station and taking possession of the platform. Mr Humphris was called out from the office, and the children welcomed him with the song, "King and Country need you!" The head teacher then informed Mr Humphris that the children wished to take that opportunity of saying goodbye to him, and also to express their admiration of his courage in giving up his home and his position to fight our battles. An address from the children was then read by Alan Wiltshire, and a presentation of a case of pipes and tobacco was made as a small token of esteem from the children. Mr Humphris, who was visibly affected, made a feeling reply to the children, stating that be thought it the duty of everyone able to go to offer his services freely, and that he would long treasure and use the gifts, which would vividly recall to memory the happy times he had had in Millicent. The children sang "Australia will be there," and the National Anthem, the little ceremony concluding with hearty cheers for Mr Humphris, and also for the other Millicent soldiers. The address read by Master Alan Wiltshire was as follows: —"Mr R. K. Humphris, stationmaster, Millicent.—We, the children of the Millicent school, wish to let you know how proud we feel of you for your bravery in offering to go to fight for King and Empire. We know how much you are giving up to fight for us, and we wish you to accept and use often this little gift of ours, as a small reminder of your days in Millicent, and of the children whom you have so often helped. We wish you a successful campaign, a happy result, and a safe return to Australia and the loved ones at home. On behalf of the Millicent school children, we are sincerely yours.—Alan Wiltshire, Clarice Sapiatzer."

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200025349

The Register (Adelaide, SA: 1901 - 1929) Tuesday 24 July 1917

HOW A MILITARY MEDAL WAS WON.

Pte. R. K. Humphris (10th Battalion), who has been awarded the Military Medal, states in a letter to his wife, at Harcourt street, Payneham: — "The platoon I belong to was called up hurriedly to the assistance of a platoon of another battalion in difficulties with the enemy, and we arrived just in time to drive the enemy off after sharp fighting. It was open warfare, and in consequence the troops dug in. Owing to the smallness of   the trenches our platoon had to spread the boys   over several small ones, and somehow I alone got into a trench with a number of the platoon we assisted. After we had beat off the enemy, the officer found that we were out of ammunition, and called for volunteers, to go back about three- quarters of a mile to got some, and also for artillery assistance. Owing to a couple of his men   having been knocked over by snipers just previous to our arrival, and because doubtless they were tired, none of his men volunteered. In the circumstances I resolved to go. I immediately jumped from the trench. I ran as fast as possible, frequently changing my course, lying down, crawling, &c., to dodge several snipers who were firing at me. Some of the bullets whistled close to my head, but, thank God, I dodged them, delivered the message, and got the ammunition up. The officer of the other battalion mentioned me in despatches, and, that won me the Military Medal."

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60464019

Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA: 1910 - 1924) Wednesday 1 October 1919

PERSONAL

Mr. R. K. Humphris has been appointed stationmaster at the Two Wells office, on the Salisbury—Long Plains line. Mr. Humphris, who recently returned from the war, was formerly in charge of the Millicent station, on the south-eastern narrow gauge system.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article106479100

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954) Wednesday 4 June 1952         

GOLDEN WEDDINGS

HUMPHRIS — HOLTBY. — Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Humphris, of Stradbroke road, Magill, announce the 50th anniversary of their wedding, solemnised at St. Augustine's Church, Pt. Augusta, on June 4, 1902, by the Rev. Lloyd.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47414525

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954) Tuesday 4 November 1952

DEATHS

HUMPHRIS. —On October 31, at hospital, Richard, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Holly) Humphris, of Stradbroke road, Magill, loving father of Frank and Harry. In his 78th year. At rest. Late 1st A.I.F.

FUNERAL NOTICES

HUMPHRIS. — THE FRIENDS of the late Mr. RICHARD HUMPHRIS. M.M. (late 1st A.I.F.), are respectfully informed that his Remains were privately cremated at the West Terrace Crematorium on MONDAY MORNING. Mr. E. R. Sherman officiated.

W. WILLIAMSON & SON. Funeral Directors. 124 Wellington road, Payneham.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47517893