World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, January 29, 1876, he served as a Commander in the Royal Navy. On November 28, 1914, Commander Ritchie on board the HMS Helmuth was in command of the sea searching and demolition operations at the port of Dar-es-Salaam, East Africa. His orders were to disable German assets in the harbor with demolition parties aboard cargo vessels. As he proceeded into the entrance of the harbor, they were met with a hail of fire from the shore, where the hidden German crews and town garrison had lain in wait. The HMS Helmuth was attacked, but despite sustaining severe damage Commander Ritchie with his remaining ships responded with a heavy barrage, demolishing several streets in the town and shore battery positions. Commander Ritchie aboard the only remaining British boat in the harbor, came under sustained fire from machine guns and light artillery. With most of his crew wounded and himself seriously wounded, Commander Ritchie refused to relinquish his place at the helm until he had steered his boat to safety. For most conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on April 15, 1915 and later achieved the rank of Captain. He died at age 82 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, January 29, 1876, he served as a Commander in the Royal Navy. On November 28, 1914, Commander Ritchie on board the HMS Helmuth was in command of the sea searching and demolition operations at the port of Dar-es-Salaam, East Africa. His orders were to disable German assets in the harbor with demolition parties aboard cargo vessels. As he proceeded into the entrance of the harbor, they were met with a hail of fire from the shore, where the hidden German crews and town garrison had lain in wait. The HMS Helmuth was attacked, but despite sustaining severe damage Commander Ritchie with his remaining ships responded with a heavy barrage, demolishing several streets in the town and shore battery positions. Commander Ritchie aboard the only remaining British boat in the harbor, came under sustained fire from machine guns and light artillery. With most of his crew wounded and himself seriously wounded, Commander Ritchie refused to relinquish his place at the helm until he had steered his boat to safety. For most conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on April 15, 1915 and later achieved the rank of Captain. He died at age 82 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
See more Ritchie memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
