George was born on 31 August 1890 in London, the son of Elizabeth Richards. By 1897, they were living at 38 Grove Street, Wolverhampton, as George was admitted to Dudley Road Primary School. His parent’s name is given as John, but, in fact, this was a John Gubbins, rather than Richards. In the 1901 census, Elizabeth Richards, George, and his two siblings, Samuel and Sarah, are listed as “Lodgers”, as are two further children with the surname Gubbins, Thomas R. and William R. By 1911, at the same address, Samuel and George Richards are listed as the children of John Gubbins, as are Thomas, William, Elizabeth and John Gubbins. Elizabeth Richards is listed as the housekeeper. George was working as an enameller at the Chromographic Enamel Company Limited.

George enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Private in the 3rd North Midland Field Ambulance (service number 2245), but was killed on 8 September 1914. On 26 February 1915, the Express & Star published a list of the names of local men who had died, which included that of George Richards. George is buried at Wolverhampton Borough Cemetery, and is remembered on the Royal Army Medical Corps memorial in St Peter’s Church to members of the 3rd North Midland Field Ambulance.