Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant S. L. Ridgway, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding)

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12439 Sjt. S. L. Ridgway. 8/W. Rid. R.); 1914-15 Star (12439. L-Cpl. S. L. Ridgeway [sic], W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (12439 A. C. Sjt. S. L. Ridgway. W. Rid. R.) mounted as worn, nearly very fine (4) £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and consistent good work. He invariably displayed coolness, courage and power of leadership. On one occasion he led his platoon with great success when his platoon commander became a casualty.’

Samuel Lyne Ridgway was born in the Parish of Hadfield, Derbyshire, in 1886. A weaver, he attested at Huddersfield for the West Riding Regiment on 25 August 1914, and was immediately appointed Private in the 8th Battalion. He served during the Great War in the Mediterranean theatre of War from 2 July 1915, and likely took part in the Battalion landing at Suvla Bay on 6 August 1915. Raised Lance Corporal on 21 August 1915, Acting Corporal on 9 September 1916, and Sergeant on 28 October 1916, he transferred to France on 3 July 1916 - almost certainly to replace those men killed on the Somme.

On 30 August 1918, Ridgeway suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Evacuated to Etaples, he was discharged to the Army Reserve in the spring of 1919.