Memorial Plaque Royal North Devon Yeomanry

Memorial Plaque Walter R.W. Riddell 1897-1918. Devonshire Regt.

Walter Reginald Whitehead Riddell was the eldest son of Walter Reginald Kemeys Riddell of Knowle, Braunton. Devon. Born in Newport, near Barnstaple, North Devon on 27th September 1897 and educated at Chaloners’s School, Braunton and St George's College. London. He joined the Royal North Devon Hussars(Yeomanry) on 20th November 1915;and was subsequently transferred to the Devonshire Regt.. He served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Egypt and Palestine from June 1916. He took part in many engagements and was wounded twice.

He  proceeded to France in May 1918, and was killed in action near Merville on 8th August 1918.. He was buried between St Venant and Robecq.

Lieut. F T Richardson wrote to Walter’s mother and said “ As an officer of the company in which your son was, and one who has had a particular opportunity of knowing him, I feel I must write and express our deep sorrow at having him no more. Private. W. Ridell was by everyone extremely well liked, and by none more than myself. I trained him in Lewis Gun work, where he was among the most efficient and keen men in the company. He intended going in for his commission, which in fact, coupled with his gentlemanly manners brought him in particular into being a friend of his Company Commander and we other officers"

Another officer wrote to Walters' youngest brother saying “Your brother was certainly one of the finest soldiers and cheerful fellows in the platoon, and I assure you you have my deepest sympathy, and I mourn with you a brave comrade”.

Entitled to British War Medal and Victory Medal.