THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

RITCHIE Laurence Robert

31353, Lance Corporal, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 1 January 1918, p66

Citation 17 April 1918, p4699

La Basse Ville, 31 July 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  In an attack he formed one of a small party which rushed and captured two enemy machine-gun posts, taking several prisoners and capturing the guns. He displayed magnificent courage and initiative and did excellent work on many other occasions

Military Medal

Gazetted 17 December 1917, p13201

For great gallantry and devotion to duty.  Near Gravenstafel on 4th October, when in charge of a bombing section of the Platoon which attacked an enemy strong post, he led his section forward through heavy machine gun fire and captured the position.  He displayed great dash and determination throughout the attack, and by his conduct set a fine example to his section.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 14 August 1884, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Died 20 January 1971, Hawera, New Zealand