'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After crossing the L'Ecaillon River just east of Beaudignies on the 24th October 1918, our line was held up by machine gun fire from the front and from both flanks the heaviest fire coming from the ?practice? trenches on our left. The Lewis gun Section Commander, with Private Richardson as his No 1, was instructed to take his gun well round to the left and bring it into action against these trenches. For part of the way round the section moved across dead ground, but for some considerable distance before they got into position they were under heavy machine gun fire from the trenches and from the high ground on the right. In spite of this the NCO and Private Richardson, taking the gun in turn, crawled forward until they got into a good position from which they could enfilade the "practice" trenches. This fire covered the advance of the platoon on the right, which worked round and in it also brought enfilade fire to bear. On this the enemy surrendered, and 3 officers, 75 other ranks, 6 light and 1 heavy machine guns were captured. The two platoons were then able to push forward to the high ground and Sunken Road in front, which formed their objective. Unquestionably the bold and intelligent handling of the Lewis gun by Private Richardson and his NCO enabled their Company to reach its objective and saved a great many casualties.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 17 June 1919