Robert Wilfred Riches (1894 - 1977)

Born 31 Dec 1894 in Barking, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Died 23 Jan 1977 at age 82 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

Robert Riches is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Robert Riches is a Military Veteran.
Served in the Australian Army 1915-1918 during World War One.
Served in France with the First Australian Imperial Force.

Robert was born in 1894. He is the son of Robert Riches and Lizzy Baylis.

Arrived in Melbourne, Australia on 26/4/1910 aboard the Moravian.

World War One: World War 1: Service No.115, Corporal 1st Australian Division Signal Company. Enlisted on August 18,1914 at Adelaide, South Australia. Served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. Awarded Meritorious Service medal in June 1918 for services as a dispatch rider. Returned to Australia aboard the "Durham" in December 1918.

"...115 Sapper Robert Wilfred (Will) Riches, 1st Division Signals Company in his dugout in the Anzac area. A native of London, England, Spr Riches was a clerk from Torrensville, SA prior to enlistment and embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Karroo on 20 October 1914. After serving at Gallipoli, hehe served on the Western Front where he was promoted to Corporal and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal "For conspicuous good work as a motor cyclist despatch rider from 22nd September 1917 to 24th Februray 1918, particularly for his gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations east of Ypres from 22nd September to 12th October 1917. The roads over which he had to carry his despatches were much cut up by traffic and shell fire, yet in spite of the difficulties caused by the inclement weather he never once failed to deliver his despatches though at times he had to pass through heavily shelled areas to do so. He has at all times displayed considerable initiative and devotion to duty in getting his despatches through successfully." Cpl Riches returned to Australia on 4 November 1918. His brother, 4503 Spr Edward Victor Riches was killed in action on 15 November 1917." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

Sources

• Birth - General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office.,Birth Certificate RICHES, ROBERT WILFRED BAYLIS GRO Reference: 1895 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 469

• Death - Public Record Office Victoria; North Melbourne, Victoria; Victorian Wills, Probate and Administration Records 1841-1925; Series: VPRS 7591 Name Robert Wilfred Riches Death Date 23 Jan 1977 Death Place Hampton Occupation Retired Grant Date 5 Dec 1977 Grant P