The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R W Richardson

Roland Wharrier Richardson was born on 2nd May 1920 and joined the RAFVR in May 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called to full-time service at the outbreak of war, he carried out his flying training at 6 EFTS Sywell, 9 EFTS Ansty and then 5 FTS Sealand.

In late September 1940 Richardson was posted to 7 OTU Hawarden and after converting to Spitfires joined 610 Squadron at Acklington on 14th October.

610 Squadron Westhampnett July 1941

All captions left to right.

Back row : P/O A Gaze, Sgt. AS Doley, Sgt. JEW Ballard, P/O JEI Grey, P/O JR Stoop, Sgt. LE Philpotts

Middle row: P/O B Bartholomew, F/O WE Lloyd, F/O RWCH le Fleming, F/Lt. RAL Knight, S/Ldr. K Holden, F/Lt. D Crowley-Milling, P/O More, F/O Higson, P/O GT Hugill

Front row: Sgt. F McWatt, Sgt. SG Main, Sgt. D Wright, Sgt. RW Richardson, Sgt. W Raine, Sgt. Day

(Clasp holders : F/Lt. RAL Knight, S/Ldr. K Holden, F/Lt. D Crowley-Milling, Sgt. RW Richardson, Sgt. W Raine)

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He finished his tour in December 1941, was commissioned and volunteered for the Middle East.

Richardson joined 80 Squadron in the Western Desert in February 1942, was appointed 'A' Flight Commander in April and posted away to 71 OTU Abu Sueir in June.

On 5th May 1943 he joined 92 Squadron in Tunisia, moved with it to Malta on 9th June and then to Sicily on 14th July. Six days later he was posted to 93 Squadron at Comiso, Sicily.

On 18th February 1944 Richardson's tour ended and in April he returned to the UK and was posted to COS Catfoss on 10th June as an instructor. In September he was sent to the USA as Gunnery and Attack Adviser to the British flying schools there.

Richardson returned to the UK in September 1945. He stayed in the RAF postwar, was awarded the AFC (gazetted 13th June 1959) and retired on 2nd May 1963 as a Squadron Leader.

He died on 18th November 1988.