Hugh Charles Ridley (1902 - 1972)

Hugh Charles Ridley died on 1 Sep 1972 at Greenwich, as evidenced by the Civil Death Index, and was recorded by the UK Cremation & Burial Index 1838-2014 as being cremated and buried a week later.

During his service in India, Hugh Charles formed a strong friendship with Hamilton Edgar Green, a Warrant Officer in the Green Howards, who married Hugh Charles's sister "Molly" Mary Eileen Ridley at Woolwich in 1932, presumably when on leave. They had two sons, Douglas and John.

The UK Military Campaign Medals & Awards Rolls 1793-1949 show that Sergeant Hugh Charles Ridley No.4381713, 2nd battalion The Green Howards Regiment was awarded the India General Service Medal 1936-37. This provides support for my recollection of Uncle "Charlie" having been in the military in India between WW1 and WW2.

There are numerous entries in The London Electoral Registers from 1945 until his death in 1972 that show Hugh Charles living with his mother and sister Margaret at addresses in the Eltham area - 11 Arsenal Road, and 32a Admiral Seymour Road. So far as I know, he remained a bachelor.

My father (Edward John Ridley, (who was always called "Jack") was Hugh's elder brother. For some reason or other my father always called Hugh "Charlie" (as also did other members of the family), and as a result, I always knew him as Uncle Charlie. I was told that Hugh/Charlie was in the Indian Army for many years. He reappeared in England not long after the end of the Second World War.