Corporal Richard Power, regimental number 2603, was born in 1896 in Cupids, Newfoundland and was a fisherman prior to serving in the British Army during World War I. He served in Europe from 1916 to 1919. Richard passed away on March 17, 1975. Below are the citations for his Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal as published in the London Gazette. In addition to the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal, he also received the Croix de Guerre avec Étoile (France), Militia Order No. 30, J.R. Bennett, Minister of Militia, December 30, 1918, Newfoundland Gazette, January 7, 1919. Distinguished Conduct Medal London Gazette, 10 January 1920 – Ledeghem. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy counterattack at Ledeghem on October 3rd 1918. When his Lewis Gun was destroyed by shell fire, he seized a captured machine gun, which was close by, and opened fire forming a defensive flank on the left of his battalion, and helped to break up the attack by the enfilade fire which he brought to bear with telling effect. Military Medal London Gazette, June 17th 1919 – Ledeghem. For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 14th October 1918. During the advance from Ledeghem towards the Lys the platoon to which this man belonged was suffering casualties and temporarily held up by two hostile machine guns firing from a pill-box and unable to advance. Pte. Power absolutely on his own initiative dashed forward by rushes towards the pill-box under the heaviest machine gun fire. As he doubled forward he fired his Lewis Gun from his hip and shoulder until he got within 25 yards of the pill-box. On arriving at this point he lay down, got his gun into action, and kept up a heavy fire on the pill-box and practically silenced the enemy’s machine guns. Under cover of Pte. Power’s fire, his section worked round the flank, captured the machine guns and killed the crews. To Private Power the highest praise is due for his initiative, coolness and determination to get there. Volume 24 www.legionnl.com 29 Newfoundland Labrador Command Corporal Richard Power
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