Kept on Wikipedia:Alex Ritchie
Alex Ritchie
Alex Ritchie | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 November 1922 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | RAF |
| Years of service | 1942-1947 |
| Unit | 254 Hurricane Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | 75th Anniversary coin 100th coin from Royal British Legion Scotland |
Alex Ritchie was a military veteran who served in the RAF during World War II after signing up for the RAF two weeks after his 19th birthday in 1942[1]. Alex served in the 254 Hurricane Squadron until 1947.
Military career
Alex signed up to join the RAF on the 11th December 1942[2]. After training in Blackpool, Alex was moved to Cain Wiltshire where he was trained as a Morse code operator. Alex finally went on to join the 253 Hurricane Squadron for the duration of his time in the military.[citation needed].
During Alex's time in the RAF, he was stationed in Algeria, North Africa, Sicily, Naples, Island of Vis, Croatia, and Baghdad. Alex's role as Morse code operator was to intercept enemy messages and pass them on to the codebreakers.[3][4]
Alex was awarded a seat on a test plane flight, but gave his ticket to a fellow trainee who was desperate to go on the plane; however, the plane never returned, as it crashed, killing everyone onboard.[5]
Later life
Alex left the RAF in 1947 and returned home to marry his wife, Margaret, and went on to have their daughter, Ucilla.
On Sunday 27 November 2022 Mr Alex Ritchie of Darvel celebrated his 100th Birthday.[6] Major David Dickingson presented Alex with a congratulatory card from HM The King and The Queen Consort, and the Royal British Legion Scotland Kilmarnock were present with their standard Bearers along with two Pipers[7]. A fly past of the two ex-RAF aircraft took place after the presentations.[8][9]
It was an amazing day and I'd like to thank everyone for celebrating with me and to all of those involved for making my day so special.
— Alex Ritchie, https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/war-veteran-amazed-ex-raf-28657277 (27/11/2022)
Alex continues to lay the Wreath every year at Darvel War Memorial in memory of his fallen comrades.
References
- ↑ "War veteran amazed as ex-RAF planes fly over house for 100th birthday". 5 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "War veteran amazed as ex-RAF planes fly over house for 100th birthday". 5 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "100th Birthday Presentation – Mr Alex Ritchie, Darvel – 27th November 2022". Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "War veteran amazed as ex-RAF planes fly over house for 100th birthday". 5 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "War veteran amazed as ex-RAF planes fly over house for 100th birthday". 5 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "100th Birthday Presentation – Mr Alex Ritchie, Darvel – 27th November 2022". Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "100th Birthday Presentation – Mr Alex Ritchie, Darvel – 27th November 2022". Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "100th Birthday Presentation – Mr Alex Ritchie, Darvel – 27th November 2022". Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ↑ "War veteran amazed as ex-RAF planes fly over house for 100th birthday". 5 Dec 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
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