Royce Alexander Ritchie (1892 - 1980)

Born 15 Feb 1892 in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand

Ancestors

Died 7 Feb 1980 at age 87 in Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand

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Biography

He served in WW1 in the NZ Machine Gunner Corp. #16583.

At the time of his enlistment, he was a motor driver, working and living in the Wellington region. His last residence was listed as the Haywards Railway Station, not sure how that works. Haywards was the original name for Manor Park Railway Station, Lower Hutt. Royce was either 5' 6" or 5' 7 1/2" , 154lb or 143lb. Hazel coloured eyes or brown eyes. Dark complexion and brown hair. Next of kin was listed as his father, Thomas, living at Airdrie Cottage, Grasmere, Invercargill.

He was wounded by a gun shot wound in his right shoulder on or thereabouts 30th March 1918, towards the end of the war in France. Family legend has it that he was lucky escape when bullet hit his cigarette case that was in his chest pocket. His uniform is still in the family with a bullet hole in his chest pocket.

Royce was promoted to L/Corp but demoted by his C. O. for absence while on base at Grantham, Lincolnshire (Maggie Thatcher's home town) on 10 August 1918.

He was discharged on termination of period of engagement as a private. He served a total of 3 years and 98 days in the army, 2 years and 291 days overseas. The army medical officer reported to be in good health. One of the lucky ones.

His intended address upon being discharged was given as c/- of Curtin & Co. Broadway South, Stratford.

Worked on the Railways. Lived in Auckland in his later life.

Sources

• NZ BDM