Mr Richards, a Worthing man, died recently at the age of 74. He won the Military Cross while serving as a National Serviceman with The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in Malaya.


On November 9th 1949 he was commanding patrol of 16 soldiers of the KOYLI and whilst climbing a steep hillside through a rubber plantation when they came under heavy enemy fire.

As the terrorists tried to surround the patrol, Lieutenant Richards organised a fighting defence and tried to rescue a badly wounded comrade from a forward position. Unfortunately the man died before he could be brought under cover.

Lieutenant Richards narrowly escaped death himself when a bullet destined for his heart deflected off his rifle butt. Having been wounded by shrapnel from a grenade he ignored the pain and managed to salvage a Bren gun dropped in no-man's land.

After two-and-a-half hours of fierce fighting the terrorists withdrew as darkness fell leaving behind at least two of their own who had been killed.

This brave officer was awarded an immediate Military Cross for his coolness and courage under fire.


In later life Mr Richards, a quiet and unassuming man, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but still managed to play squash and tennis to a high level.

He was a true English hero.
A truly brave Light Infantry Officer.


CEDE NULLIS

May he rest in peace


Below :-

An Excerpt from an history book written about the KOYLI in Malaya




 

"Copyright Les Parkin © 2007. All rights reserved."