Lives of the First World War

Photo from his Northern Aircraft Company, Windermere record where he attended training in March 1916. He trained on NAC Seaplanes

This is Serjt J F Ridgway of RFC 15 squadron recovering after his Be2c was attacked by hostile aircraft near Heninel on 24/03/1917. He and 2Lt E J Hare (Observer) were on a photographic flight. The hostile aircraft. were driven off, the photographic machine was hit by anti-aircraft shell which killed Observer 2 Lt Hare. Serjt Ridgway received wounds from the anti-aircraft shell and was shot in the leg. Serjt Ridgway succeeded in recrossing the line and landing the aeroplane. They had secured photographs of the Hindenberg Line which were of much value. It is believed that Serjt Ridgway is holding a pair of flying goggles and a small camera in the photograph.

Notice of Serjt J F Ridgway #35972 as Lieutenant (Aeroplane and Seaplane Officer)

Text of citation Ref. Citation DCM, Source: London Gazette pg 4596, 11/05/1917

Joseph Frederick (left) and his younger brother Harold (right) about 1900 in Brazil

Eliza Arrojado Lisboa, wife of Joseph Frederick, with their daughter Herminia in about 1933/34

This photo may have been taken as he set off to return to Brazil in 1920.

Extract from Joseph Moran's work entitled :"Achiet le grand : A study of airmen casualties in a CWGC cemetery". With special thanks to Joseph Moran for allowing the use of this information to illustrate Lt. Joseph Frederick Ridgway's experience during WW1.

Biography (translated from Portuguese) of Joseph Frederick Ridgway.

Report from Northern Aircraft Co, the Seaplane School, Windermere.

Report from Northern Aircraft Co, the Seaplane School, Windermere.

Report from Northern Aircraft Co, the Seaplane School, Windermere.

Passenger list showing arrival of Joseph F Ridgway, his mother, father and 3 brothers aboard the "Darro" arriving in Liverpool from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1913.