Edward Richards

History

Edward Richards was born at Sebastopol in August 1875. He was the second youngest of nine children born to Welsh couple, Evan Richards and Ann Harry.

From an early age he was associated with a ‘gang of larrikins’ known as the Black Hill Rats Push, many who ‘subsequently developed into notorious thieves.’

On 13 September 1907 Edward Richards married Sarah Louisa Hogg (nee Rutter).

Edward Richards enlisted on 07 September 1916, giving his occupation as labourer. He answered “no” when asked if he had ever been convicted, but had been convicted of burglary in June 1915 and sentenced to 12-months imprisonment with hard labour. During the trial, he admitted to having several prior convictions at Ballarat and other parts of Victoria. His reputation was not admirable. Known as “Gabo” Richards, he was described as ‘a convicted thief and a companion of convicted thieves,’ especially a Harold Farckens and they were ‘thereby deemed rogues and vagabonds.’

Serving with the 23rd Infantry Battalion, he was allotted regimental number 6401. He allocated three-fifths of his army pay to his wife and children, who were then living in Havelock Street, Soldiers Hill. He left Melbourne on 23 NOvember 1916 on the troopship Hororata. He was wounded in action at Buire on 16 April 1918. The gunshot wound to his right thigh resultinh in him being invalided to Australia and discharged as medically unfit.

In February 1928, however, his name was linked to manslaughter, when a John Hamston was found guilty of killing his partner, Florence Melvin, with an axe to the head in a fit of jealous rage because he ‘did not want Gabo to get her.’

When Edward died at the Ballarat Hospital on 03 June 1939, his occupation was listed as soldier. He was buried at the Ballaarat New Cemetery (Presbyterian C, Section 03, Row 1, Grave 28). It was marked for the first time in April 2022.

Legacy

World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

See also

World War One

Notes

BALLARAT.

At the Ballarat East court on Tuesday a young man named Edwd. Richards, who is known as "Gabo" Richards, was charged with stealing jewellery valued at £178 5/6, belonging to Messrs. Wilkes and Son, of Maryborough. Inspector Ryan prosecuted, and Mr. Mark Lazarus defended accused. The jewellery was stolen from Fredk. Har ris, a traveller for the firm, while he was singing a song at a social gathering in it parlor at the New Eglington Hotel, Main-road, Ballarat East. Harris, in giving evi dence, said that on entering the hotel par lor on the night of 30th July he was asked to sing "a good old English song." He re sponded by giving The Death of Nelson. While lihe stood by the accompanist he left the bag in charge of, one of the company, who was informed that there wns £150 worth of property in it. Richards was in a position to hear this. At the conclusion of the song he went back to the couch, and found that the bag had gone. Before he commenced to sing he turned to the audience, and saw that his bag had been moved to the floor, where it lay at the feet of Richards. He asked Richards what the bag was doing there, and Rich ards said, "Oh, that is one of Tom's larks." When he finished 'the song Richards and the bag had gone. After further evidence had been given, accused was committed for trial at the Supreme Court, on Tuesday next.

External links

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--Beth Kicinski 10:37, 24 August 2013 (EST); Link title