Eric Riches facts for kids

Sir Eric William Riches (born July 29, 1897 – died November 8, 1987) was a very important British doctor and a brave officer in the British Army. He was a surgeon, which means he performed operations. He was also a urologist, a special doctor who treats problems with the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the body that handle urine.

In 1955, Sir Eric developed a new medical tool called the Riches Cystoscope. This tool helps doctors look inside the bladder to find and treat problems. He also gave important speeches, known as the Hunterian Oration, at the Royal College of Surgeons in 1938 and 1942. He gave the Bradshaw Lecture in 1962.

Early Life and School

Eric Riches was born on July 29, 1897, in a town called Alford in Lincolnshire, England.

His Work and Service

Serving in the Army

In 1915, when he was still young, Eric Riches decided to join the British Army. He put off going to university to fight in the First World War. On January 4, 1916, he became a temporary second lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment. He served bravely with the 10th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment.

T./2nd Lt. Eric William Riches, attd. Linc. R.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of an ammunition dump which was set on fire by an enemy shell, with the aid of a corporal, under heavy shell fire, he rushed at once to put out the fire; rifle grenades were exploding at the time in the dump. By his prompt action in putting out the fire the destruction of the dump and loss of life were averted. He displayed great coolness and courage.

Eric Riches showed amazing bravery during the war. Once, an enemy shell hit an ammunition dump he was in charge of, setting it on fire. Ammunition dumps hold explosives and bullets. Even though rifle grenades were exploding around him, he quickly rushed to put out the fire with the help of another soldier. His quick and brave actions stopped the entire dump from blowing up, saving many lives. For this courage, he was given the Military Cross, a special award for bravery.

His Medical Career

After the war, Sir Eric became a highly respected surgeon and urologist. He worked at Middlesex Hospital, where he helped many patients. His invention, the Riches Cystoscope, made it easier for doctors to use this important tool. He was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, which means he was recognized as a top surgeon.

Awards and Recognition

In 1958, Sir Eric was honored by the Queen. He was made a Knight Bachelor because of his excellent work as a surgeon and urologist at Middlesex Hospital. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. On July 15, 1958, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh officially knighted him at Buckingham Palace.

In 1964, he received another important award called the St Peter's Medal from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). This medal recognized his outstanding contributions to the field of urology.