Richard Henry (Harry) Benton was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire on 18 October 1918. He joined the Royal Navy and trained as an Able Seaman. On 23 December 1938, Richard Benton joined the cruiser HMS YORK.

He was later drafted to HMS DOLPHIN for Submarine Training and joined HMS SHARK. On 3 July 1940, SHARK sailed from Rosyth on her seventh War Patrol with orders to patrol off Skudesnes in Norway. On 6 July 1940, SHARK was located by German aircraft and attacked on the surface off the coast of Norway. Several bombs exploded close astern and severely damaged the propulsion system. SHARK dived in an attempt to get to safety but later resurfaced, in order to charge up the batteries and to attempt to escape on the surface under cover of darkness. Although both engines were eventually started, the port engine appeared to be out of line and the rudder was jammed hard to port. SHARK was relocated by enemy aircraft and attacked again. Being unable to dive, owing mainly to a lack of high-pressure air, a low battery and flooding, the Commanding Officer attempted to fight his way out but was eventually forced to surrender.

No Next of Kin or other family information is available for Richard Benton who was taken Prisoner of War. He is reported to have died in Germany as a prisoner on 27 August 1940 from injuries received whilst engaged in bomb disposal duties. He is buried in the Berlin (1939-1945) War Cemetery in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Berlin in Grave No. 14.C.10