Richard Annand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Wallace Annand
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| Nickname(s) | Dicky |
| Born | 5 November 1914 South Shields, County Durham |
| Died | 24 December 2004 (aged 90) Whitesmocks, Durham |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve British Army |
| Years of service | 1933–1937 (Navy) 1938–1948 (Army) |
| Rank | Sub-lieutenant (Navy) Captain (Army) |
| Service number | 74134 |
| Unit | Durham Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Emergency Reserve Decoration and bar |
| Other work | Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham |
Captain Richard Wallace Annand (born November 5, 1914 – died December 24, 2004) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth forces. This was the very first Victoria Cross given to a soldier in the British Army during the Second World War.
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Richard Annand's Early Life
Richard Annand was born in South Shields, England. His father, Wallace Moir Annand, was a naval officer who sadly died in battle in 1915. Richard went to Pocklington School in East Yorkshire. After school, he worked at a bank in different cities like South Shields, Rugby, and London.
Richard Annand's Military Career
In 1933, Richard Annand joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. He became a midshipman and later a sub-lieutenant. He learned about navigation and how to use guns. In 1937, he wanted to join the regular Royal Navy, but he was told he was too old.
In 1938, he joined the Durham Light Infantry as a second lieutenant. This was part of the army's reserve forces.
Richard Annand's Victoria Cross Story
Richard Annand, often called "Dickie," was 25 years old when he showed incredible bravery. This happened on May 15, 1940, near the River Dyle in Belgium, during an event called Operation David. He was a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. His actions earned him the Victoria Cross. This was the first VC given to a British Army soldier in the Second World War. King George VI personally presented him with the award on September 3, 1940.
His bravery was officially recognized in The London Gazette on August 23, 1940. Here's what happened:
Richard's group of soldiers was on one side of a damaged bridge over the River Dyle. During the night, they fought off a strong enemy attack. The next morning, the enemy attacked again. They tried to build a new bridge in the river.
Second Lieutenant Annand bravely attacked the enemy group. When he ran out of bullets, he ran forward by himself. He didn't care about the enemy's bombs or machine-gun fire. He reached the top of the bridge and threw hand grenades at the enemy below. He hit more than twenty enemy soldiers. Even though he was wounded, he went back to his group, got his wound treated, and kept leading his soldiers.
His sergeant later said that Richard asked for more grenades to stop the enemy from fixing the bridge. He went back and caused a lot of trouble for them.
Later that evening, the enemy attacked again. Second Lieutenant Annand once more went forward with hand grenades. He caused many more injuries to the enemy. When his group was told to retreat, he led them back safely. But on the way, he learned that his assistant, Private Joseph Lakeman Hunter, was wounded and left behind. Richard immediately went back to the dangerous area. He brought his assistant back in a wheelbarrow before he himself passed out from his wounds. Sadly, Private Hunter was captured and later died from his injuries.
Richard Annand's Later Military Service
Because of his injuries, Richard Annand was sent back to England. He rejoined his battalion a month later. In June 1941, he lost most of his hearing due to rifle practice. He was then discharged from his fighting unit. He spent much of the war teaching other soldiers. He worked at training centers for commandos and for soldiers learning outdoor skills.
He was promoted to captain in 1948. He left the army later that year because of his disability, but he kept his rank of captain.
Richard Annand's Personal Life
Richard Annand married Shirley Osborne in 1940. They celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary in 2000. They did not have any children.
In 1956, Richard Annand became a deputy lieutenant for County Durham. This is a special role that helps the Lord-Lieutenant of the county.
After leaving the military, Richard Annand focused on helping people with disabilities, especially because of his own injuries. He helped start the British Association for the Hard of Hearing, which later became Hearing Concern. He also helped create the Durham County Association for the Disabled.
Richard Annand passed away in Durham on December 24, 2004, shortly after his 90th birthday.
Richard Annand's Legacy
In May 2007, statues of Richard Annand and another brave soldier, Private Thomas Young VC, were placed inside South Shields Town Hall. Both men served with the Durham Light Infantry and were honored for their courage.
Awards and Decorations
Captain Richard Annand received several awards for his service:
- Victoria Cross
- 1939–1945 Star
- Defence Medal (1939–45)
- War Medal 1939–1945
- Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)
- Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977)
- Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
- Army Emergency Reserve Decoration and bar (1980)
