2195 PTE W.RIDGE 2/BN A.I.F. (on star)
2195 PTE W.RIDGE 2-BN A.I.F. (on victory)
William Ridge
Born Stoke on Trent 8/4/1885
Son of John & Mary Ann Ridge of 11 Cross St., Stoke-on-Trent, England
Served in the Royal Navy from 29/1/04 for 10 years then ‘Time-expired’
Enlisted in the AIF in Liverpool, N.S.W.
KIA GALLIPOLI 6-9/8/15 – he is believed to be buried in Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli & is commemorated on the Memorial there
'In early August 1915, in order to create a diversion to draw Ottoman reserves away from a major attack at Hill 971, which had been conceived as part of an attempt to break the stalemate that had developed around the beachhead, the 1st Brigade conducted an attack at Lone Pine. The 2nd Battalion A.I.F. was chosen to take part in the initial assault. After gaining possession of the main enemy line, the Australians were subjected to a series of determined counter-attacks which would last the next three days, which, although successfully repulsed, proved very costly for the Australians. The 2nd Battalion A.I.F. suffered considerably. Having started the action with 22 officers and 560 other ranks, they lost 21 officers and 409 other ranks killed or wounded. Among those killed was its commanding officer, Scobie, who was shot dead while attempting to repulse a counter-attack on 7 August 1915' - Click here
And see pages 285-286 of this publication for his image & biography- Click here
To view & download the 37 page digital file of his AIF Service Papers - Click here
With copies of his CWGC certificate & other details
Condition: GVF
