Richard was born on 26 July 1915 in Staines, Middlesex to Frank and Minnie nee Rantzen. His father is listed in the 1939 Register as a wholesale watch and clock maker and a manufacturer of toilet preparations.

Richard worked as an accountant before enlisting in the RAF. He was based at Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire in 7 Anti-Aircraft Co-Op Unit and was trained as a wireless operator and air gunner.

Richard died at the West Middlesex University Hospital. His post mortem states that he died from subacute ulcerative colitis.