Richard Bullimore was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire in 1883 and was the son of Richard and Isabella Bullimore. He married Emma Spray on the 3rd December 1908. Prior to his enlistment in September 1914, he served in the Derbyshire Constabulary station as a Police Constable in Buxton for eight years and then was transferred to Long Eaton for five years.  

He enlisted into the 16th (Chatsworth Rifles) Battalion on the 1st June 1915 and embarked for France on the 3rd July 1916. He was appointed Company Sergeant Major on the 28th May 1916.  

Richard manned a sniper’s post at La Coq de Paille, Belgium, and killed five enemies on 15th August 1917. Whilst serving with D Coy, Richard was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry for action taken on the 16th August 1917. 

 He was with his company and had just taken over an advanced position but before they had consolidated the Germans attacked in great force. Bullimore assisted his commanding officer to rally the men who opened a rapid fire which practically demolished the opposing force. Those of the enemy who remained turned and fled. 

On the 18th January 1918, the Long Eaton Advertiser reads: 

‘It was most fitting that the presentation of the DCM bravely won by Coy Sgt Major Bullimore should be presented to him at the evening concert held in aid of the Long Eaton Red Cross Hospital on Tuesday. The Peoples Hall was crowded and as this hero stepped on the platform he was greeted with loud and long applause. Accompanying him were Capt S Cursley, Councillor W R Tucker JP, Inspector Spencer and Mr W A Wallis. Capt Cursley said that the act of bravery which won the distinguished honour for Coy Sgt Major Bullimore occurred on Aug 16th 1917.’ 

He was later killed in action at Voormezeele Belgium 26th April 1918 aged 37 years.

In addition to the Distinguished Conduct Medal, he was also awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. It is only his Victory Medal, which was found in a house clearance which is held in the Regimental Museum collection.