RICHARDS, Harry
| Service Number: | WX1944 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 26 March 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/11th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Normanville, SA, 24 December 1908 |
| Home Town: | Perth, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Wallaroo Public School |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Memorials: | Municipality of St Peters Citizens Who Have Enlisted Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 26 Mar 1940: | Involvement Private, WX1944 | |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 1940: | Enlisted Perth, WA | |
| 26 Mar 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, WX1944 | |
| 20 Nov 1944: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, WX1944, 2nd/11th Infantry Battalion | |
| Date unknown: | Honoured Distinguished Conduct Medal |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Daryl Jones
Son of Mr and Mrs RICHARDS of Wallaroo, SA.
Husband of Ada May RICHARDS of 32 Montrose Avenue, Magill, SA. Married with three boys, Harry was 35 when he enlisted for the war. Educated at Wallaroo, he played cricket for S.A. Police Force Team of which he was a member for several years. Later he worked at Dunstan's Quarries and enlisted in April 1940. Leaving Australia for the Middle East he was placed in the 6th Division and fought through the desert campaing to Bengazhi then to Greece and Crete. During the evacuation Private Richards and another man swam to a barge, and under the cover of night brought the vessel close in shore and took on board 50 men. His known knowledge of seamanship, having experience in South Australian waters, led to his taking charge and after a hazardous trip, brought the barge and men safely to the Lybian coast. For this he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
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