Gordon James Richards was born in Ballarat and a Driver by trade when he enlisted in the 8th Infantry Battalion on 24 August 1914 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914. On 30 April 1915 it was reported he suffered a gunshot wound to the left foot. On 11 July 1916 he rejoined his unit from Wounded and proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Forces. In France he was wounded in action again and admitted for shell shock. This would not be the last time Driver Richards would be admitted to Hospital during his tour. He was admitted for scabies on 2 June 1918 and remained until 15 June, then admitted for a sprained ankle on 25 August 1918.
On 27 September 1918 he returned to Australia on Special 1914 leave before receiving his final discharge on 9 May 1919.
Tree No. 192

Scabies, also known colloquially as the seven-year itch, is a contagious skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite is a tiny, and usually not directly visible, parasite which burrows under the host's skin, which in most people causes an intense itching sensation caused by an allergic response.