Edward Richards was born in Ballarat and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 23rd Battalion, 18th Reinforcement on 7 September 1916 at the age 41. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 23 November 1916. On May 2nd 1917 he joined the 23rd Battalion in France. He was wounded in action on April 16th 1918 when he sustained a shell or gunshot wound to his right thigh. He was treated at hospital in France before being evacuated to the Guildford War Hospital in England. Two months later, while still convalescing, he contracted influenza and it was decided he should return to Australia. He returned home on the Runic, disembarking at Melbourne on November 26th 1918.
Tree No. 2515