2/1194 Bombardier William Thomas Ridland, 26/10/1889-5/11/1915.

Biographical Sketches

Bombardier William Thomas Ridland, who died of dysentery on hospital ship Somla, on November 5, was the oldest son of Mrs Ridland and the late William Ridland, schoolmaster, Patearoa. Deceased, who was 26 years of age, was born at Patearoa and educated at the local school. For some time he was employed by the Otago Farmers’ Cooperative Association, Dunedin, and of late years he was engaged in farming pursuits at the Styx, from which place he left with the Fourth Reinforcements, N.Z.F.A. Deceased, who was a keen soldier and a good shot, was at one time a non-commissioned officer in the Engineer Cadets, Dunedin, afterwards being transferred to the Battery, and later a member of the Mounted Territorials, Fifth Regiment.  -Otago Witness, 24/11/1915.

Paerau.

Much sorrow was felt here when the sad news of Bombardier W. T. Ridland's death was reported. He left here last December for training at Trentham and joined the 4th Battery N.Z.F.A., which left N.Z. for Egypt in April; he then joined the 5th Battery. After spending a few months there, he left for the Dardanelles in August, and while there he sent news to his relatives saying that he was quite well. He must have been taken very suddenly ill for before the postcards arrived from him cable messages were sent stating that he had died of dysentery on the hospital ship and was buried at sea on November 5th. Bombardier Ridland was born at Patearoa and spent most of his youth there, also some time in Dunedin, then for three years he settled on land in this district. During that time he made many friends by his kindliness of manner. When war broke out, knowing the need for men, he volunteered his services and gallantly did his duty towards the honour and freedom of our country. He leaves a mother, sister and brother (his father having died when he was a child) to mourn his loss and for whom much sympathy is felt by all.

Farm work is well advanced and the crops are looking very well and forward just now and given a good season there should be a good harvest. Lambing is just about over now and most people expect a fairly good percentage.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 26/11/1915.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

RIDLAND. — In loving memory of Bombardier William Thomas Ridland (5th Battery), who died at sea on November 5, 1915; aged 25 years. 

Too far away his grave to see, But not too far to think of thee

 — Inserted by his loving mother, brother, and sister.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/11/1916.

Ranfurly Cemetery.