Walter Potter Ritchie

Walter Potter Ritchie

Walter Potter Ritchie (depicted on a cigarette card)
Born 27 March 1892
Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Died 17 March 1965 (aged 72)
Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Drum-Major
Unit The Seaforth Highlanders
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

Walter Potter Ritchie VC (27 March 1892 – 17 March 1965) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 24 years old, and a drummer in the 2nd Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 July 1916 north of Beaumont Hamel, France, Drummer Ritchie, on his own initiative, stood on the parapet of an enemy trench and, under heavy machine-gun fire and bomb attacks, repeatedly sounded the "Charge" thereby rallying many men of various units who, having lost their leaders were wavering and beginning to retire. He also, during the day, carried messages over fire-swept ground.[1]

He later achieved the rank of drum-major. Born in Glasgow in 1892, he died in 1965 and was cremated in Edinburgh.

References

  1. ↑ "No. 29740". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 September 1916. p. 8871.
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