Eric Riches

Sir Eric William Riches, (29 July 1897 – 8 November 1987) was a British surgeon, urologist, and decorated British Army officer. In 1955, he developed a new cystoscope, which was named after him as the Riches Cystoscope, in order to standardise the equipment and its attachments. He gave the Hunterian Oration at the Royal College of Surgeons in 1938 and 1942, and the Bradshaw Lecture in 1962.

Early life and education Eric Riches was born on 29 July 1897 in Alford, Lincolnshire, England.

He attended Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford until 1909, where his father William Riches was the deputy head under Mr Staley. He was given a scholarship to another school.

Career

Military service In 1915, having deferred his entry to university, Riches joined the British Army to fight in the First World War. He then served with the 10th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. On 15 July 1958, he was knighted by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

In 1964 he was awarded the BAUS's St Peter's Medal.

Selected works