Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Edward and Marie Saker. Husband of Winnie Saker of 11 Osterley Avenue, Osterley Park, Middlesex, England

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in the Boer War 1900-02 with the rank of Captain in the Connaught Rangers

His brother, Captain Frank Harrison Saker 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers was killed in action 30 October 1914 age 34. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.

Richard joined the army receiving his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion Connaught Rangers in October 1901. He served in the South African War, 1900-2 with the Rough Riders, being present at several major engagements with the Boers. He stayed in the army until February 1907, when he became Captain in the Reserve of Officers. In August 1914 Richard had been reported missing after being granted six months leave to visit Australia where his wife was touring. The family was in New Zealand when war broke out in Europe. A Warrant was issued for his arrest. Richard was supposed to report back to his regiment which was based in Ireland, but instead reported to the Australian authorities on 22nd August 1914 after hearing that he was wanted. Richard sailed to Eygpt with the Australian Imperial Force in October 1914 and was formally seconded for service with Australian Imperial Force on 2nd April 1915.

Richard was Killed in action on Monday, 26 April 1915, at 3.30pm age 37, on the southern slope of Lone Pine Plateau, central Anzac sector, Gallipoli. By this time, he had been wounded twice, once in the leg that required attention at the dressing station near the beach. After receiving surgical aid, he immediately returned to the firing line. Attacking and taking high scrubland called Daisy Patch, Richard stood on the parapet and asked if everyone was ready. He then led his 200 men from the trench but after fifty yards he was shot in the head by a sniper. Richard was buried at Brown's Dip South Cemetery on Gallipoli which was near Anzac Cove. However, the site proved unstable and prone to erosion so in 1923 the bodies were exhumed and reburied at Lone Pine Cemetery, Anzac.

Richard was born into a well-known acting family. His father and mother were actors and theatre managers in Liverpool and were on stage with the leading lights of the time such as Sarah Bernhardt and Vesta Tilley. Although a good amateur actor and cricketer Richard joined the army. He married the musical comedy artist Winnie Millicent Vott, on 21st February 1908 at Birmingham Registry Office.

(Family History)

A GREAT LEADER

Major Richard Saker

(By Lieut.-Colonel A. P. Derham M.C.) 

The memory which makes the Landing a great, an almost miraculous event, is not the taking of a few acres of rugged cliffs. The miracle that happened was the leaping up of personalities, the discovery of great leaders in high and lesser command. 

The personality that springs most vividly to my mind is that of Major Richard Saker, commander of 'C' Company of the 6th Battalion, A.I.F. An Englishman, a Boer War veteran, a cricketer, a good amateur actor, and a captain in the Reserve Battalion of the Connaught Rangers, he was well over 6 ft., with a slight stoop, a long lean face with a close-clipped moustache, and a thin, humorous mouth. 

Quite fearless, Saker established a reputation in the training camps at Broadmeadows and Mena, which marked him for great things. He did his duty, his men - a tough lot, not chosen for their polish or public school education - trusted him and obeyed him without question. 

For the rest, he went his own way quietly, and with little comment. He imposed his will not only on his subordinates, but also on his superiors, even to the brigade staff, because they realised that here was a man, who knew and who dared. 

In Egypt, Saker devised a new method of advancing under fire which became known as the 'cloud formation.' This was approved by the higher command, and was used by Saker's company at Anzac. It probably saved many lives. 

At the Landing, Saker was always in front of his men; always in the centre of the line; sitting or standing when his company were lying; always knowing what was to be done and when to do it; definite, resourceful unhurried, and unafraid. In action under fire, as in training, he remained the leader. Knowing probably that a man of his stature must inevitably be killed, he disdained to protect himself even by stooping, 

Twice wounded and temporarily disabled in the first twenty-four hours, twice he returned to lead his men in the front line, and he was killed while leading an important advance late in the afternoon of April 26. 

Reveille 1 April 1936 p11.

Son of Edward and Marie Saker. Husband of Winnie Saker of 11 Osterley Avenue, Osterley Park, Middlesex, England

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in the Boer War 1900-02 with the rank of Captain in the Connaught Rangers