Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Sergeant

Army Number : 7709

Unit : 2nd Bn, 1st Bn

Biography :

Richard Byrne served in 2nd Bn The Leicestershire Regiment 1905-13, mainly as a military telegraphist and for 11 years in India. Awarded 2nd class Certificate of Education in 1906. Joined the Leicestershire Police in April 1914 and was stationed at Hinckley. He rejoined the Regiment in August 1914 . He served with the 1st Bn in World War One, entering France on 9.9.1914. Awarded D.C.M. on the night of 22/23.8.1915 while in the Ypres Salient in front of St Julien, when a corporal (L.G. 11.3.1916: "for conspicuous gallantry when in charge of a reconnoitring patrol of five men. He surprised a strong enemy patrol (about 15 men), attacked at once with bombs, inflicting casualties, and shot another man. In retirement he covered his own party, and carried a wounded man back to the trenches."). He was wounded at Armentiers. He was a member of the 2nd Army bombing staff and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Rejoined the Leicestershire Police in January 1919, was again stationed at Hinckley, was promoted sergeant and posted to Loughborough, and in 1932 posted to Hinckley as an Inspector. In April 1935 he was promoted Superintendent in charge of the Ashby Division, and in 1946 he became the Superintendent at Loughborough, whence he retired in June 1949. He received the King's Jubilee medal in 1935, and the Coronation medal in 1937.
His cricket career lasted over 30 years, both in the Army and for the Police Service in Leicestershire. He also promoted and officiated at boxing tournaments. During WW2 he was responsible for ensuring that all members of the Leicestershire Police were proficient in the use of firearms and he also took a great part in the formation of what became the Home Guard. He was awarded the WW2 Defence Medal.
In June 2019, his eight medals, together with his extant WW1-issue chocolate box (complete with its original chocolate), sold at auction for over £3,000.

Date of Birth : 1890

Place of Birth : East Norton, Leics

Date of Death : 10.1.1967

Place of Death : Barrow Haven, Lincs

Civil Occupation : police officer

Period of Service : 1905-12; 1914-18

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : India, France and Flanders