Richard Stanley Dickinson joined the Australian Imperial Force with his elder brother Thomas William Dickinson. The brothers were allocated consecutive regimental numbers. The brothers embarked from Melbourne with the 7th Reinforcements for 39 Battalion on 19 February 1917.

Following training in England Private Dickinson proceeded to France in January 1918 and joined the 39th Battalion. In June 1918 Private Dickinson spent time in hospital sick and rejoined his unit on 14 July 1918 following his convalescence. On 26 August 1918 he was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to the right foot. He was evacuated to England for medical treatment where he remained until the end of the war. Private Dickinson returned to Australia in March 1919.