Richard Athol Luscombe was born in Bourke, New South Wales, to Edward and Ellen Luscombe. He was 20 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 13 June 1916, giving his occupation as a railway clerk. He embarked from Sydney with reinforcements to the 13th Battalion aboard HMAT Ceramic on 7 October 1916. He served with this unit in France and was also a member of the 13th Battalion Band before returning to Australia in July 1919. Luscombe died on 19 August 1977 and is buried at Mudgee General Cemetery.