DONALD FREDERICK RICHER

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Image from the 1945 Evening Star Newspaper.

DON

Born: 12th January 1915, at 74, Lower Orwell Street, Ipswich.

Died: 17th September 1944; age: 29; aircraft crashed at the village of Libiole, Mantova, on the bank of the River Po.

Residence: 17, Chenery Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: Committee Clerk – Town Clerk’s Department, Town Hall, Ipswich.

Based in Regina, Italy.

Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot); Service Number: 146987.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 142 Squadron.

Re-buried: 5th February 1946.

Grave Reference:

IV.F.5.

Padua War Cemetery,

Veneto,

Italy.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Arthur & Ellen Richer, of Ipswich.

Father: Arthur Richer, born March 1871, Ipswich.

Mother: Ellen Richer (nee Southgate), born June 1873, Great Finborough, Suffolk.

CENSUS

1921   74, Lower Orwell Street, Ipswich.

Donald was 6 years and five months old. He attended School and lived with his parents and brothers.

Arthur Richer, 50 years & 3 months old, a Forage Merchant’s Assistant for Mr. C. Warren and Son – Hay and Corn merchant, of 72, Lower Orwell Street, Ipswich.

Ellen Richer, 48 years old, Home Duties.

Victor Arthur Richer, 17 years & 3 months old, a Clerk for Mr. Harry William Raffe – Grocery and Provision Merchant, of 1 & 3, St. Peter’s Street, Ipswich, born Ipswich.

Arthur William Richer, 14 years & 3 months old, an Errand Boy for Mr. C. Warren and Son – Hay and Corn merchant, of 72, Lower Orwell Street, Ipswich, born Ipswich.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939

Donald was a Committee Clerk – Town Clerk’s Department. He lived with his parents at the family home – 17, Chenery Street, Ipswich.

Arthur, a Grain & Coal Warehouse Labourer.

Ellen, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Donald was educated at Northgate School, Ipswich; he was an active officer in the 8th Ipswich Boys’ Brigade.

Probate to Arthur Richer – father, a retired Corn Mill Foreman.

Donald is also remembered on the war memorial at the Town Hall, Ipswich.

17th September 1944

Aircraft – Wellington X Serial number – MF249-P failed to return from an attack on the Marshalling Yards at Brescia. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing it to crash at the village of Libiole, Mantova, on the bank of the River Po.

Fellow Crew:

Frank Harrison; Sergeant; R.A.F.V.R.

Nolan Alexander Good; Flight Sergeant; age 21; R.N.Z.A.F.

Norman Frederick Nash; Sergeant; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.

William Harry Harper; Sergeant; age 32; R.A.F.V.R.

The bodies of Donald & William were recovered and buried at Padua War Cemetery. The others lost are commemorated on the Malta Memorial.