245 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca RITCHEY, William Howard “Bill” WWII Bill was born June 28, 1905, in Inkerman, Manitoba, the fourth son of John W. and Marian Ritchey. Bill and his wife Peggy took over his father’s half-section of farmland and despite the depression, drought, and grasshoppers, they found great pleasure in tilling the soil. Bill had a special rapport with animals and was very fond of them, especially his collie Bess and his huge dapple gray stallion, Jiggs. Bess independently went to the highway at the same time every evening, about three-quarters of a mile, and brought the cows home. Bill had a keen sense of humour and a hearty, infectious laugh. However, he strongly felt that he needed to defend our freedom from tyranny. He enlisted in June 1940. While Bill was stationed at Quebec City, his wife Peggy decided to visit him. She and their white terrier, Tiny, went by train. What a surprise when Bill saw Tiny running to meet him. What a joyous reunion! Bill found upstairs billets for them but after a few short days, he received notice that they were shipping out. Peggy said that as she listened to his footsteps going down the stairs and fading away, she felt that she would never see him again. Bill left for overseas on Christmas Day 1940. Peggy returned home determined to run the farm until his return. She did so until after his death. The shortage of farm labour was so great in England that Canadian soldiers who were experienced farmers could spend their leaves working on farms. The British farmers appreciated the help in growing more food and the Canadians, despite working eleven-hour days plus after-work chores, had the time of their lives. Bill thoroughly enjoyed getting back to the land, but also found time to visit his wife’s relatives in Scotland. From bits of information and a photograph, it seems he was in a motorcycle corps and was slated for the Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942. However, he was injured in a practice manoeuvre and missed Dieppe. On July 7, 1944, the battalion landed on the Normandy coast. On July 16, he suffered minor shrapnel wounds from enemy fire but walked to the first aid station and then returned to battle. On July 18, 1944, the orders were to seize and hold the town of St. Andre-sur-Orne. Fighting was fierce. Casualties were heavy, but the Camerons held tenaciously to every bit of ground captured. The family later received a letter from Bill’s company commander who was with him when he fell on July 26, 1944: “It was in the battle of St. Andre-sur-Orne, south of Caen. The battalion had been fighting night and day for a week without rest, against heavy enemy attacks. During all this, Bill did outstanding work, leading and encouraging his men and was always in the thick of things. His loss is deeply felt as he was very popular with everyone in his quiet, friendly way. His final sacrifice was made in the same unselfish manner he had always lived.” Lance Corporal William Ritchey was buried by the Chaplain at the field dressing station. The final burial site is Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France. Family visited the grave with Madam Marcel Pelluet who arranged for military graves to be adopted by local people. The grave had been adopted by Mademoiselle Paulette Boissais. Ritchey Island (63 O/8) in Bison Lake was named after him in 1995. He was survived by his wife Margaret “Peggy” Ritchey.
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