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Former Blackpool Grammar School pupil Gerald Irving Richardson was born in Blackpool on 2 November 1932.
Gerry was a police officer in the Lancashire Constabulary reaching the rank of Superintendent.
On 23 August 1971, an armed gang raided a jeweller's shop in Blackpool. Following the robbery, a prolonged chase occurred involving several unarmed police cars. Superintendent Richardson was shot in the stomach, whilst attempting to persuade one of the robbers to surrender his weapon. Richardson died from his injuries later that day. Gerry was posthumously awarded the George Cross. The citation of the award to Superintendent Richardson was published in the London Gazette (dated 13 November 1972). Superintendent Gerald Richardson of the Lancashire Constabulary is the highest-ranking police officer to be murdered in the twentieth century
At that time Gerry was a highly regarded member of Blackpool North Rotary Club and considerable thought was given by his friends and fellow members to ways in which his memory could be honoured and perpetuated. He had a passion for youth work and shortly before his death he had been a prime mover in raising a considerable sum of money to acquire Snows Heights in the Lake District for use as a centre for young people of Blackpool and the Fylde.
It seemed logical, therefore, that a Trust be established to continue and expand the work to which Gerry had been so dedicated. For further details see :-
THE SUPERINTENDENT GERALD RICHARDSON MEMORIAL YOUTH TRUST .
Sally Wilson the daughter of website member Martin Wilson was a recipient of an award from the trust. It was at this time that it was discovered by the Meliora Website that Gerry was a BGS old boy. A visit to Layton Cemetary to try to discover Gerry's date of birth revealed that Gerry's Gravestone had been the target of very unpleasant anti police graffiti.
Gerry Richardson was a former pupil of BGS when it was located at Raikes Parade. The memorial room in which the plaque has been sites was transported from the Raikes Parade Building.
In 1962 Lancashire Life wrote in an article about this new school building that “The pride of the old school on Raikes Parade was the magnificently paneled Memorial Hall with its stained glass window depicting Sir Galahad. The paneling and window have been included in the new building; to give it added dignity, depth and continuity.” There is a very good chance therefore that the surroundings may not have been too unfamiliar to Gerry.
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