Richard was one of five sons of Samuel and Sarah Brightman of Great Bramingham who served on the Western Front. Tragically four of the five brothers were killed. Richard died of wounds on 10th November 1917 in France, aged 24. He was the fourth son to be lost.

Richard died in a Canadian hospital at Etaples, having had both feet amputated one week earlier. His parents received the letter informing them of his wounds on the same day as they received a telegram informing them of his brother Herbert's death.