Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The details provided are taken from the book "Just Soldiers" written by WO1 Darryl Kelly, published 2007, refer to chapter 33 pages 217 to 222. Richard was born at Maryborough Qld, which is near to the home town of Owanyilla. He enlisted in the AIF March 1916 and allocated to the 41st Infantry Battalion which departed to the UK May 1916. Late in 1916 he was posted to the 31st Battalion and transferred to the Western Front. Feb 1917 he was wounded in the trenches while in a detail to carry meals to the Unit. Shrapnel from artillery shattered an urn that he was carrying which caused severe burns to his body, which required hospital treatment in the UK. After two months treatment he was transferred to a training unit to teach new recruits, but he requested transfer back to his Unit. Oct 1917 saw him back at the Front. Nov 17, he stole 2 kilos of apples and shared the fruit with his mates, but he was charged with the theft and sentenced to one day detention. During the night of 28/29 July 1918 he volunteered to be a stretcher bearer, to retrieve wounded from No Mans Land. His bravery saw him rewarded with a Military Medal. Aug 18, still engaged with the Germans, he and a mate ventured out into No Mans Land again to retrieve wounded mates, for which he was again recommended for a Military Medal, but this was not granted. Sep 18, he was in a section of Machine gunners, the Battalion was pinned down for a while but the action of this section of gunners was instrumental for the advance that was made and the Germans retreating. For this action, he was again recommended for a Military Medal, but again in was rejected. The war came to an end, and it was not until the middle of 1919 that Richard and many others departed the UK bound for home. Richard arrived in Brisbane, and he was medically reviewed 22nd Aug and sent on leave prior to discharge. He tried to get on a train, but there were no trains stopping at Owanyilla that day, so he spoke with a driver who said he would slow down while going through the station so that he could jump clear. The train steamed into the night, but the driver forgot to slow, so William threw his kit out the door and jumped. The platform was small, and he landed over the end of the platform and crashed onto the rocks causing heavy wounds. He laid there all night and he was found in the morning, the local ambulance was called, but he died of the injuries while en route to the Maryborough hospital. He was buried at Maryborough cemetary 25th August 19 aged 21 years. Rest In Peace Lest We Forget