242209 Pte. William James Ritchie British Army 2nd Btn. Middlesex Regiment from:Westminster, London (d.21st February 1918) William Ritchie was my great-uncle (my grandfather's brother), born in Westminster, London.
I knew that one of granddad's brothers had been killed in the Great War but it was not until researching my family's history in recent years that I have been able to discover a little more about him.
Having joined up with the Middlesex Regiment, William's war service began in October 1915, serving in France on the Western Front. He was killed in action near Ypres on 21st February 1918 and is buried in Poelcapelle British Cemetery. He was just 30 years old and left a widow and two small children.
When I was much younger I heard a family story that my grandfather John Ritchie, who by the end of the war was serving on the Western Front in the Labour Corps, actually came across his brother William's grave. Sadly, I never took much notice then, but now I wish I'd listened more to the reminiscences of older family members and the precious memories they shared.
We owe so much to William and his generation for the huge sacrifices they made in the service of their country.
"We will remember them".
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