Born 1880 in Lancaster, Richard lived in Shovel Yard (near Spring Garden Street) in 1901.

Richard married Mary Ellen and they had a son Edward Victor in 1908. In 1911 he was working at Williamsons lino works as a fitter and labourer. 

Richard joined the East Lancs regiment in 1915 but was discharged soon after for misconduct. He joined the RFC in October 1917 as a 3rd class air mechanic and was posted to the Balloon training depot, believed to be at Richmond Park. (see below) RICHMOND PARK: Balloon Training Station (also known as BEVERLEY BROOK) Military users: RFC/RAF (Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force) Kite Balloon Training Station and School Location: On/near the Polo Ground just S of Roehampton Gate, roughly 1 to 1.5nm NE of Kingston-upon-Thames town centre Period of operation: 1915 to 1919 Site area: 10 acres OR RICHMOND PARK: Balloon Depot (also known as KINGSTON HILL) Military users: RFC/RAF (Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force) Kite Balloon acceptance and testing Depot Location: Probably W to NW of the Isabella Plantation, E of Robin Hood Gate on the A308, about 2nm NE of Kingston-upon-Thames town centre Period of operation: 1915 to 1919. Kite flying from 2009 - Site area: 25 acres Richard died at Richmond Military hospital Surrey of acute nephritis.