Remembering the aircraft crash of 31st January 1945
Roy Fairfax Richardson
Roy Fairfax Richardson
B: 18th July, 1890 – Austin Street, Footscray, Victoria
Roy Fairfax Richardson was the eldest son of William Andrew Richardson and Gertrude Alice Dixon. Tall, athletic and strong, he was reputed to be something of a gymnast in his youth.
Traveling north
He was resourceful and inventive and that adventurous streak led him to the far north of Queensland where he worked in a number of different engineering capacities. FNQ was a pretty wild environment in 1914 and some of Roy’s work involved provision of telegraph facilities. It is also noted that he could sort ‘interesting’ engineering solutions to transport problems in the region.
“Designed and Built by Roy F Richardson Engineer Pt Douglas – Mossman Railway”
Roy married firstly Evelyn Sanchese Forsberg in 1914 (a neighbour and family friend from Footscray) and raised a family of seven children in FNQ. At the time of his death, he had remarried (1942), his second wife being Irene Phyllis Baird and they were living in Glen Iris.
Roy had relocated from Queensland and was living in Melbourne during World War 2. He was employed by the Allied Works Council and, at the time of the crash, was on his way to inspect facilities used in producing goods and providing services contributing to the War Effort.
Roy’s ashes are interred at Springvale Crematorium, Springvale, Vic.
The information and images above have been provided by Richardson family members and Robbie Stockfeld and have been published with permission.
RICHARDSON — On January 31, result of aircraft accident – Roy Fairfax Richardson, 6 Faircroft-avenue, Glen Iris, beloved husband of Irene Phyllis, loved father of Douglas (A.I.F. discharged) Roy (A.l.F.) Nigel (A. I. F. discharged). Dorothy (Mrs McNamara), Keith (R.A.N.), Gordon (A.T.C.) and Harry Baird.
RICHARDSON.-On January 31 (result of plane accident). Roy Fairfax Richardson, beloved elder son of Gertrude (Mrs. G. C. Shallard) and the late W. A. Richardson, loved brother of Douglas and Dorothy (Mrs. A. H. Stockfeld).
The Stinson Memorial 