His family owned Gore House Farm, Great Altcar, near Formby, and George went to school in Maghull. Before the war, he joined the Territorial Army Cyclist Corps and transferred to the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment upon gaining his commission in October 1914, serving as a lieutenant. He crossed to France after completing his training in November 1916, and was killed less than a year later in what became known as the battle of Pilckem Ridge, part of the Battle of Passchendaele. Richard has no known grave. His name is featured on the Menin Gate.