RIDLEY, William John
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Australian |
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1876 |
| Place of Birth | Moree, New South Wales, Australia |
| Veterinary College and Date of Graduation | Sydney University - 1915 |
Military Service
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Rank | Captain |
| Regiment/Service | Australian Veterinary Corps |
| Secondary Regiment | 4th Division AIF |
| Secondary Unit | 11th Field Artillery Brigade |
| First Theatre of War | Egypt June 1915 |
Casualty Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | 07 June 1917 |
| Age at Death | 26 |
| Place of Death | Messines Ridge, France |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action by enemy shell. |
Cemetery
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cemetery | Kandahar Farm Cemetery |
| Location | Ieper, France |
| Grave Reference | II. A. 17. |
| Commonwealth War Grave | Yes - CWGC Headstone |
| Emblem or Badge on Headstone | Australian Rising Sun |
Honours and Memorials
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name on RCVS Honour Board | No |
| Name In Officers who died in Great War | No |
| Medals and Awards |
|
Biography
Captain William John Ridley was born in Moree, New South Wales, in September 1892. After his father’s death, the family moved to Arncliffe, a southern Sydney suburb.
William attended Fort Street Boys High School before undertaking Veterinary Studies at Sydney University.
After graduating, Ridley offered his services to the Military Authorities. In December 1914, he was accepted with the rank of Captain in the Australian Imperial Forces and left for the front on 22 June 1915 as Veterinary Officer to the 5th Brigade.
He was killed in action at Messines Ridge on 7 June 19 when an enemy shell landed under his horse, killing both instantly.
He is buried in Kandahar Cemetery.