Do you already have this?
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...ge/22/data.pdf
Supplement to the London Gazette 31st December 1981 p22
THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) to the undermentioned: (long list from previous page.....)
T1961743 Flight Sergeant Nigel RICHARDS, Royal Air Force
(presumably much too soon (19th December) for it to be in reference to the Penlee lifeboat disaster?)