South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | British War & Victory Medals | Etaples Military Cemetery |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| After 1 January 1916 in France | ~ | Stratford on Avon WW1 Memorial |
| Stratford Holy Trinity Church | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Stratford Cemetery Memorial |
| Battle of Cambrai | September 1915 in Birmingham | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| 24th General Hospital, Etaples | Pvt 292090 Devonshire Regt | |
Circumstances of Death
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Christopher is listed as dying of wounds, incurred in action near Masnieries, on 1st December 1917 at the 24th General Hospital, Etaples. An obituary in the Stratford Herald states that he was struck by shrapnel which broke his right arm and leg on 24 Nov 1917. The Obituary and the 7th Battalion war diary entries for the period 23rd to 24th November are transcribed below. Masnieries – 22.10.1917: Lt W.G. Jones admitted to hospital – trench fever. 11.30am: Battalion ordered to search and clear village of snipers. A, B & D Coys detailed for work, which was finished by 3pm. Village heavily shelled all day. Masnieries - 23.11.1917: Battalion in support to 87th Brigade. Very heavy bombardment at about 7pm. Coys “stood to” but were not called upon. After about an hour bombardment lessened and Coys stood down. Masnieries - 24.11.1917: Battalion rejoined 61st Infantry Brigade and went into Brigade Reserve. Masnieries – 25.10.1917: Battalion in Brigade reserve. 4 officers & 200 other ranks to front lines as working party, digging main line of resistance. Masnieries – 26.10.1917: Battalion in Brigade reserve. Improvement of shelters in trenches for men. Stratford Herald - Friday 7th December 1917 Many in Stratford will learn with regret of the death of Private C. J. Ridgewell who was a popular figure in the town as a professional for the cricket club in 1913 and the next season he acted as coach to the grammar school boys. Later he was employed by Messrs. Brooks Limited of Birmingham. In 1915 he joined the colours being attached to the Royal Warwicks. He was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry this year and crossed to France in July doing his full share of work in the trenches. On November 24th Ridgewell was struck by shrapnel, his right arm and leg being fractured and he died on Saturday last. Mrs. Ridgewell and her father in law made the journey to France and had the satisfaction of seeing him before he passed away. They also desired to acknowledge the kindly aid of the YMCA, this body making all the arrangements for their quick transport and doing everything possible under the circumstances. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Apr 1888 in Frodingham, Lincs | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Hamlet and Annie Ridgewell | 42, Parkinson Avenue, Scunthorpe, Lincs |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Norah Ridgewell nee Price | Eric John Ridgewell b 2 Mar 1916 |
| Jul Qtr 1913 in Stratford on Avon | |
| Schools | Colleges |
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| Address History | Employment History |
| 1888 - Frodingham | 1901 - School |
| 1891 - 12, 5th Street N, Frodingham | 1911 - Attendant at Royal Albert Instition |
| 1901 - 12 Beauchamp Street, Frodingham | 1914 - Worked at Brooks Limited of Birmingham |
| 1911 - Royal Albert Instition, Ashton Road, Lancaster | |
| 1917 - 32 Waterside, Stratford on Avon | |
