RICHARDS, William Robert
| Service Number: | 4353 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 6 July 1915, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 26th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Brisbane, Queensland, 29 April 1888 |
| Home Town: | Boonah, Scenic Rim, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Died: | Natural causes (illness), Rosemount Hospital, Windsor, Queensland, 25 November 1936, aged 48 years |
| Cemetery: |
Boonah Cemetery, Qld |
| Memorials: | Boonah War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 6 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 4353, Brisbane, Queensland | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Sep 1915: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, HQ Infantry Base Depot Army Service Corps, No. 1 Depot. Squadron | |
| 15 Oct 1915: | Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, HQ Infantry Base Depot Army Service Corps, No. 1 Depot. Squadron | |
| 17 Jan 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant | |
| 31 Mar 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 25th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '15' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Star of Victoria embarkation_ship_number: A16 public_note: '' | |
| 31 Mar 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 25th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Star of Victoria, Sydney | |
| 3 Oct 1918: | Honoured Military Cross, Breaching the Hindenburg Line - Cambrai / St Quentin Canal, 'displayed great courage and skill in handling his men' | |
| 12 Oct 1918: | Transferred AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 26th Infantry Battalion | |
| 2 Oct 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 26th Infantry Battalion, AIF appointment terminated |
Logan Village Museum
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=254169
Submitted 5 May 2018 by Coralyn Cowin
Logan Village Museum
William was born 29th Apr 1888 at Junction St Thompson Estate Brisbane. He died in Nov 1936 in Boonah. He was adoted by Mr and Mrs A Richards of the White Horse Hotel Ruthven St Toowoomba after their parents had died.
Along with his brother Frederick James Archibald (Archie) he is listed in the Logan Village Museum Honour Roll as both he and his brother went to the School.
William is also listed on the Honour Roll for Logan Village. which is in the Lions Hall at Logan Village. It is unknown why Frederick was not also listed.
Submitted 16 March 2018 by Coralyn Cowin
Biography contributed by Paul Trevor
'FUNERAL NOTICE.
RICHARDS.—The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. W. R. Richards and Family are invited to attend the Funeral of her deceased Husband and their Father, Lieut. William Robert Richards, late of 25th Batt., A.I.F., to leave Christ Church, Boonah, for the Boonah Cemetery after service, commencing at 11 o clock, This (Friday) Morning.' from The Courier-Mail 27 Nov 1936 (nla.gov.au)
Biography contributed by Faithe Jones
Military Cross
'During the attack on the Beaurevoir line, east of Peronne, on 3rd October, 1918, he displayed great courage and skill in handling his men. At Mushroom Quarry very strong resiostance was encountered. He led one platoon in a charge against a post, being first in, and killing three of the enemy. Seeing an officer rallying some of the enemy for a stand, he dashed out. shot the officer with his revolver. and caused the remainder to surrender.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 10
Date: 29 January 1920
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