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Description
Killed in Action Memorial Cross Group of 5 to 36395 Sapper George Richards, 6th Field Company, 2 Division New Zealand Engineers, 2nd N.Z.E.F.
1939/45 Star, Africa Star, 1939/45 War Medal and NZ War Service Medal (these original and added to the Memorial Cross). Memorial Cross correctly named TO (36395 SPR. G. RICHARDS) George Richards.
George was Killed on the 5th of December 1941 aboard the HMS Chakdina when the vessel was struck by a torpedo dropped by an Italian Torpedo Bomber.
Simon George Richards was born 24th November 1913, son of Charles and Sophie Richards (née Gebhardt). At the time of his enlistment into the 2nd NZEF in 1940 he was working as a road surface man at Kai Iwi, near Wanganui.
He embarked with the 3rd Echelon, 2nd NZEF and served during the Libyan campaign in 1941, during which he was wounded.
On 5th December 1941 Richards, along with several hundred other wounded Allied troop and some Axis prisoners of war, were loaded on HMS Chakdina at Tobruk and set sail for Alexandria in Egypt. Just after 9pm the vessel was struck by a torpedo dropped by an Italian torpedo bomber and sank within 4 minutes.
George Richards was either killed in the blast or went down with the ship. His body was never found, and he is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.
This group also comprises his typed issue-slip for his medals and a copy photo.
Plenty of room for further research.
Please see photos.
This Group can include a frame for an extra $20 if picking up.
Details
Shipping & pick-up options
| Destination & description | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| NORTH ISLAND URBAN | $14.00 | |
| NORTH ISLAND RURAL | $17.00 | |
| SOUTH ISLAND URBAN | $17.00 | |
| SOUTH ISLAND RURAL | $20.00 | |
| Pick-up available from Tauranga, Bay of Plenty | Free | |
Payment Options
Cash, NZ Bank Deposit
Questions & Answers (1)
My father was also on the Chakdina, was rescued along with the German General von Ravenstein who was also on board- very few survivors and NZ losses were the highest for any one day .Dad always maintained that the British orderlies going below decks and bringing up wounded men to give them a chance was the bravest thing he saw - the boat was sinking fast, but they kept going ,despite knowing it was a terrible risk.Many of them perished. d******a (374 • 9:14 pm, Mon, 12 MayThank you for sharing that. What an experience for your father and it brings things into perspective as to how lucky we all are. patrol4 (923 • Monday, 12 May 2025