THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

RIDDIFORD Richard Erroll Wardell

9/1623, Captain, Wellington Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Gazetted 1 January 1919, p13, Rec No 2815

For good work as Camp Commandant of the Division for a period of two years. This Officer's care, foresight,  and organising ability has ensured at all times the smooth working of Divisional Headquarters, - An officer of exceptional ability.

Military Cross

Gazetted 25 August 1916, p8469, Rec No 44

For conspicuous gallantry and during a raid on the enemy's trenches. He took charge when the Commander had become casualty, organized a covering party, which he led with skill during the withdrawal, and remained in "No man's land" until every man was back.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261, Rec No 365

Flers, 13th September and following days. As officer in command of the Brigade 1st Line Transport, 2nd Lieut. RIDDIFORD has never once failed to deliver rations and equipment to the battalions in the front line, frequently crossing the enemy's barrages.  On the night of the 18th September a convoy of 16 wagons was held up on the FLERS road, several casualties occurred amongst the men and horses, and the wagons had to be temporarily abandoned.  In spite of this heavy barrage 2nd Lieutenant RIDDIFORD by his own personnel example and courage succeeded in getting his own wagons away and delivering the rations and ammunition to the troops in Flers.  This artillery barrage interfering with the transport has been of nightly occurrence, and 2nd Lieutenant RIDDIFORD and his men have had to face it every night during the time the Brigade was in the front line.  He has always shown an utter disregard of danger and the Brigade has never once been short of rations owing to his personal bravery and devotion to duty.  I cannot speak too highly of soldierly qualities.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231

Sir Douglas HAIG'S despatch dated 8 November 1918, submitting names worthy of special mention

KNOWN AWARDS

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Military Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (2)

NOTES

Born 12 January 1885, NZ

Died of disease 11 February 1919, London, England

Buried Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England