[1] Stannard was 37 years old, and a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).

On one occasion during this period Lieutenant Stannard and two of his crew tackled for two hours a fire on the jetty caused by a bomb igniting ammunition.

After helping other ships against air attacks, he placed his own damaged vessel under shelter of a cliff, landed his crew and those of two other trawlers, and established an armed camp.

His continuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy was magnificent, and his enterprise and resource not only caused losses to the Germans but saved his ship and many lives.In the London Gazette of 5 December 1944, Stannard was mentioned in despatches for distinguished service while commanding HMS Peacock in the protection of convoys to North Russia in the face of attacks by U-boats.

In his birth town of Blyth, Northumberland a multi-use building on Bridge Street has been given the name Richard Stannard House (1999), and there is a blue plaque displayed there.