Richard John Humphrey Stone

Story:
Richard John Humphrey Lear (aka John) was born in Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 8 Apr 1894 the son of Thomas Lear and Emma Lear (nee Bastable). His family moved to Nylands Farm, Kington Magna, Dorset, sometime prior to 1901. He had enlisted with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry as a Private (Service No. 548). He served with the 1/1 Battalion in the Egyptian Theatre from 23 Apr 1915 during which time his unit was absorbed into the Corps of Hussars (Service No. H230035). He was discharged on 20 Apr 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals along with the 1915 Star. The 1921 Census shows he had returned to Nylands Farm where he was working for his father as a Swine Herdsman. During the period between 1928 to 1930 he had travelled to Victoria, Australia, where his brother had emigrated to but Richard had returned to the UK and, by the 1939 Register, was living at 23 Gaston Road, Malmsbury, Wiltshire, where he was employed as an Aero Engine Fitter's Mate. He remained single throughout his life. His death was registered at the Swindon, Wiltshire, Registry despite him dying on 28 Feb 1969 whilst at the Stratton Residential Club, Stratton Street, London, SW. His brothers, King Lionel Lear and Loftus Harold Lear, also served in the conflict.