| Full Name |
| Captain Richard Riddiford |
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| Occupation before Enlistment |
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| Next of Kin |
| Mrs R.L. Levin (sister), Westella, Feilding, New Zealand |
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| Destination |
| Suez,Egypt (18 December 1915) |
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| Military Awards |
- Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Military Cross (MC)
- Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) twice
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| Award Circumstances |
- Citation for Order of the British Empire (OBE): "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." (London Gazette, 1 January 1919, p. 13, Rec. No. 2815)
- Citation for Military Cross (MC): "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's trenches. He took charge when the Commander had become a casualty, organised a covering party, which he led with skill during the withdrawal, and remained in 'no man's land' until every man was back." (London Gazette, 25 August 1916, p. 8469, Rec. No. 44)
- Citation for Mentioned in Despatches (MID): "Action: 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 Lieut Riddiford by his own personal 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 Lieut 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 his soldierly qualities." (London Gazette, 4 January 1917, p. 261, Rec. No. 365)
- Citation for Mentioned in Despatches (MID): "Sir D Haig's despatch dated 8th November, 1918, submitting names deserving of special mention." (London Gazette, 31 December 1918, p. 15231)
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| Cemetery Name |
| Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, England |
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| Biographical Notes |
- Son of Richard and Beatrice Mary Riddiford (ne Wardell).
- Gained commission as Second Lieutenant on 19 August 1915 (Studholme 1928).
- Promoted to Captain on 26 November 1917 (Studholme 1928).
- Aide-de-Camp to General Officer Commanding, New Zealand Division.
- "Managed 'Tablelands' for some time after leaving school, and later purchased 'Orui,' where he continued sheep-farming on his own account. In the early stages of the war he enlisted for service and left with the rank of Lieutenant in the 8th Reinforcements. On arrival in Egypt he transferred from the Mounteds to the Infantry, and had his first experience of fighting at Armentieres, where he earned his M.C. In the Somme battles he did excellent work getting supplies through the shell swept zone to Flers. His last days were spent in the personal service of his general at Paris while the latter was en route to the Riviera. Influenza gripped him while crossing the Channel, and he died of pneumonia after a brief illness. His unflinching determination to do what was right under any circumstances earned for him the admiration and respect of all ranks. The funeral took place at Brookwood, and a laurel wreath was sent from old boys bound with streamers in the colours of the O.B.A." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School])
- Died of sickness (influenza)
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| Further References |
- In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School], Wanganui Chronicle Co. Ltd. [printer], Wanganui, 1919[?]
- McDonald, W., 2001, Honours and Awards to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War, 1914-1918, Helen McDonald, Napier, p. 271.
- Studholme, J., 1928, Record of personal services during the war of officers, nurses, and first-class warrant officers; and other facts relating to the N.Z.E.F., Government Printer, Wellington, p. 254.
- Search http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz for information about this person's Military Personnel File. Use the Simple Search option.
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| Sources Used |
| Nominal Rolls of New Zealand Expeditionary Force Volume I. Wellington: Govt. Printer, 1914-1919 |
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