Alfred Joseph Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Joseph Richards
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|---|---|
| Born | 21 June 1879 Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Died | 21 May 1953 (aged 73) Southfields, London, England |
| Buried |
Putney Vale Cemetery
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1895−1915 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 1293 |
| Unit | Lancashire Fusiliers Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Sergeant Alfred Joseph Richards was a brave soldier from England. He was born on June 21, 1879, and passed away on May 21, 1953. Alfred Richards received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most respected award for showing amazing courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
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Who Was Alfred Richards?
Alfred Richards was 35 years old when he earned his Victoria Cross. He was a sergeant, which is a non-commissioned officer rank, in the 1st Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers. This was a famous part of the British Army during the First World War. The First World War was a huge global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918.
A Heroic Day at Gallipoli
Alfred Richards earned his medal for an incredible act of bravery on April 25, 1915. This happened during a very tough battle called the Gallipoli Campaign in Turkey. British forces were trying to land on a beach called W Beach.
Facing Danger: The Landing
As Alfred Richards and his fellow soldiers landed, they faced extremely heavy fire. Hidden machine-guns shot at them, causing many injuries and deaths. Despite the danger, the soldiers who survived bravely charged forward. They cut through thick wire fences, even with intense enemy fire all around them. After overcoming huge difficulties, they managed to reach the cliffs and hold their position.
Sergeant Richards was one of six soldiers from his regiment chosen for this special award. The other brave men were Cuthbert Bromley, John Elisha Grimshaw, William Kenealy, Frank Edward Stubbs, and Richard Raymond Willis.
Life After the War
During the battle where he earned his VC, Alfred Richards was badly wounded. He had to have his leg removed because of the injury. Because of this, he was discharged from the army, meaning he could no longer serve as a soldier.
Even with his injury, Alfred Richards continued to serve his country. During World War II, which took place from 1939 to 1945, he joined the Home Guard. This was a defense organization made up of volunteers in the United Kingdom. He served as a provost sergeant, helping to keep order and security.
Alfred Richards is buried in Putney Vale Cemetery in London.
A Special Medal: The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is a very rare and important medal. Alfred Richards' medal was bought by a collector named Lord Ashcroft in 2005 at an auction. This shows how much his bravery is still valued and remembered.
