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Born in Mincha, VIC on the 9th of January 1892, to Henry Croton and Bessie Stevens.
Richard was a labourer and gave his address as Kerang, VIC when he enlisted in the AIF, 23rd Battalion at Bacchus Marsh, VIC on the 6th of March 1915, aged 23. He embarked aboard the HMAT A14 Euripides with C
company in May.
Richard disembarked in Egypt in June 1915 and landed at ANZAC Cove early in September - probably at Lone Pine. Later that month he received a gunshot wound to the left hand and was evacuated back to Egypt - it is not clear if he returned to Gallipoli or not. In March 1916 he was hospitalised with influenza before embarking at Alexandria, Egypt, for France, in May.
In July 1916 Richard rejoined the 23rd Battalion in the field and later that month suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the Battle of Pozieres and was evacuated to England. He Rejoined his unit in December.
Richard was wounded for the third time in May 1917 during the Second Battle of Bullecourt. He was again evacuated to England and admitted to hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the left hand which resulted in a severe compound fracture. He was discharged from hospital in September and granted two weeks furlough, from which he returned two days late - he was AWOL and awarded seven days confined to barracks and three days forfeiture of pay.
Richard embarked for Australia aboard the HMAT A34 Persic in late December. Some time prior to departing he managed to marry a young lady - Doris. He arrived back in Australia in February 1918 and was discharged from the AIF in May.
Richard was living in Mount Pelion, QLD when he enlisted in the Australian Army in 1940. He was discharged in 1944 - rank Private, unit 15th Garrison Battalion.
He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour and the Holy Trinity Church Roll of Honour.
Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.67961236360682, 144.45569135666094
Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:29:06
