Richard Crisp was born in Wiltshire and lived in Bournemouth, the son of Richard and Honor (Walker) Crisp of Lytchett Matravers, Dorsetshire. He was commissioned in the Royal Armoured Corps and volunteered for Airborne Forces.

He successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway, on course number 105 from 1 to 9 March 1944. His course report stated “Good leader and parachutist – keen and intelligent". He was posted to 6 Para A Company, B platoon commander. He transferred to B Squadron, 1st Special Air Service Regiment, Army Air Corps.

He was murdered by a Nazi firing squad on 7 July 1944, aged 21 and is now buried in Rom Communal Cemetery. Southern France.