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Richards, George Owen

Date of birth:
April 21st, 1921
Date of death:
May 27th, 2009
Service number:
212170
Nationality:
British

Biography

Promotions:
18th October 1941: 2nd Lieutenant;
5th October 1946: Lieutenant (seniority 21st October 1940);
April 21st, 1948: Captain;
April 21st, 1955: Major.

Career:
December 17th, 1960: Retirement.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
81st Anti Tank Regiment R.A., Divisional Troops, 1st Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:
August 3rd, 1944
Citation:
"This officer was commanding the Anti Tank gun Troop attached to this Battalion during the action in 115 area from 2nd Feb to 4 Feb 1944. .. continually got his guns into action against enemy tanks and MG posts in houses, despite heavy arty and machine gun fire.. assisted in making defences of the position during critical period when cut off from brigade ...carried out with exceptional ability and efficiency.. is an extremely good leder of men.. cheerfulness, energy and complete disregard for personal safety an example and inspiration to all. Again during the Battalion attack on Buon Riposo Ridge 9th February this officer showed outstanding courage and devotion to duty moving forward during the attack with Advance Battalion Headquarters and Forward Companies in order to rapidly site positions for his guns and again showing complete disregard for personal safety. Was badly wounded during this attack but refused to go back for treatment until ordered to do so. "I again emphasise I cannot speak too highly of the outstanding courage, ability and devotion to duty of this officer"."

LG 36637/3604.
Presented on 27th November 1945.
Military Cross (MC)

Sources

  • Photo 1: Familie
  • Photo: Family photo
  • - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 31st October 1941, Issue 35333, dated 4th November 1941
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 1st August 1944, Issue 36637, dated 3rd August 1944
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 29th October 1946, Issue 37773, dated 1st November 1946
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 16th April 1948, Issue 38263, dated 20th April 1948
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 19th April 1955, Issue 40458, dated 22nd April 1955
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 13th December 1960, Issue 42219, dated 16th December 1960
    - Citation for The Military Cross signed by Sgd J. Hackett, Lt Col. Commanding 2nd Bn. The Sherwood Foresters for Lieutenant George Owen Richards 81st Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery
    - 68/Orders/1708 from the War Office, 4 Whitehall Court, SW1, dated 24 September 1945 to Captain George O. Richards, M.C., R.A., 123 O.C.T.U.,R.A.,Bourlon Lines, Catterick Camp, Yorks, stating inter alia,'your name has been noted for your attendance at an Investiture to be held by His Majesty The King on Tuesday 27th November 1945'. signed by ? McLeod

Photo