Richard Absolon was born in England, but in 1972 his family moved to New Zealand, taking up farming in Marton. In 1980, aged 18, he returned to Britain and joined the army, where after six months' training, he was sent to 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment, and joined A company. He was later deployed to the Falklands, where he worked as a reconnaissance scout.

On June 13, 1982, the day after a successful assault on the enemy, he was mortally wounded by mortar fire and died later that evening, aged 19. Palmerston North Boys' High have a plaque and memorial trophy dedicated to Private Absolon. The trophy is awarded each year to the pupil who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of fitness, courage, dedication and determination, as exemplified by Private Absolon.

Source - South Atlantic Press