THE VICTORIA CROSS AND CAMPAIGN MEDALS AWARDED TO DRUM MAJOR WALTER RITCHIE, SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS, HAVE BEEN SOLD AT AUCTION BY SPINK OF LONDON
21 July 2022


( select to enlarge )
Medal entitlement of Drum Major Walter Ritchie,
2nd Bn, Seaforth Highlanders

  • Victoria Cross
  • 1914 Star + clasp "5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914"
  • British War Medal ( 1914-20 )
  • Victory Medal ( 1914-19 ) + MiD Oakleaf
  • 1939-45 Star
  • War Medal ( 1939-45 )
  • King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ( 1935 )
  • King George VI Coronation Medal ( 1937 )
  • Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal ( 1953 )
  • Croix de Guerre ( France )


The exceptional and important 'First Day of the Battle of the Somme' Victoria Cross awarded to Drum Major Walter Ritchie, 2nd Bn, Seaforth Highlanders, has been sold at a Spink auction on 21st July 2022 in London.

The estimated sale price was between £240,000 and £280,000. The sale hammer price realised £360,000. The buyer of the Ritchie VC group was the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection.


For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 9 September 1916 ], North of Beaumont Hamel, France, 1 July 1916, Drummer Walter Potter Ritchie, 2nd Bn, Seaforth Highlanders

For most conspicuous bravery and resource ( North of Beaumont Hamel ), when on his own initiative he stood on the parapet of an enemy trench, and, under heavy machine gun fire and bomb attacks, repeatedly sounded the "Charge" thereby rallying many men of various units who, having lost their leaders, were wavering and beginning to retire.

This action showed the highest type of courage and personal initiative. Throughout the day Drummer Ritchie carried messages over fire-swept ground, showing the greatest devotion to duty.

Walter Ritchie was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 25th November 1916.


Walter Ritchie died on the 9th December 1958 in Edinburgh and was cremated in the city's Warriston Crematorium.

Acquisitions

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Iain Stewart, 21 July 2022