George Richards

George Ernest Richards was born in Windsor, Queensland, in 1895. He was a teacher living in Brisbane when he enlisted in the AIF on 28 August 1914, soon after Britain’s declaration of war.

A member of the 9th Infantry Battalion, George embarked on HMAT Omrah A5 at Brisbane’s Pinkenba Wharf on 24 September 1914. His troopship was part of the first convoy, which left Western Australia on 1 November.

George was promoted to corporal in January 1915, soon after reaching Egypt. He arrived on Lemnos in early March, part of the contingent sent there to establish facilities for an advanced base for the Gallipoli campaign. After some six weeks’ labouring and training, he landed with fellow Anzacs at Gallipoli peninsula on 25 April. There, he was promoted to sergeant in July.

Following Gallipoli, George transferred to the 49th Battalion. Initially stationed in the Middle East, from July 1916 he served in England and (mainly) in France until he returned to Australia in late 1918. By the end of his service, he had the rank of captain.