Richard Redvers Stirk was born 20 January 1900 at Cockfield to John and Jane Stirk from Cornwall. 1901the family lived at Main Street, Cockfield. He attended Cockfield C. of E. School then County School. In 1911 they lived at 17 Coronation Terrace.  He worked as a coal miner.

21 March 1918 he joined Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman [service no.K50317] and was demobbed 23 February 1919. Received British war Medal. Married May Raine in 1920.

Richard Stirk died June 1979 in Darlington.