Personal Details

Born: 21 February 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to John R Richards, ironmonger, and his wife Frances Jane. Henry married Doris Mullineux in 1928 in Ellesmere, Shropshire. The couple do not appear to have had any children.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 4 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. They were still there ten years later, the property being called Moss Side. The 1919 Absent Voters list gave the same address for Henry. By 1939 Mr & Mrs Richards were residing at Shenstone House, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. This was still his address at the time of his death, forty years later.

Employment: In 1914 when Henry left Whitchurch Grammar School he went into his father’s business. By the time of the 1939 Register he had become the managing director of a passenger transport business – Salopia Saloon Coaches Ltd.

Died: 26 July 1979 in Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 80, and buried in Whitchurch cemetery the following month.

Other Information: Henry Richards was always known as Harry. He was well known in Whitchurch and very active in the local community.  Harry Richards received the OBE in 1948 and the CBE in 1971. There is a garden in Whitchurch Jubilee Park dedicated to him.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)

Rank: Second Lieutenant (previously Flight Cadet)

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: 10 April 1918

Date of Discharge: 27 April 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information:

Served in Egypt. Granted honorary commission as a 2nd Lieutenant when demobbed.

Brother of John William Brookes Richards & William Lee Brookes Richards who were both killed serving in WW1 and are commemorated on Whitchurch War memorial.