Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1900 & 09

William Ritchie (1833 - 1902)


Private William Ritchie was a Crimean War veteran of the 57th "Die Hard" Regiment*, whose body was carried to Weaste Cemetery on a gun carriage.

 

The Salford Reporter of 18th October 1902 records: "William Ritchie enlisted on 2nd August 1851 and was discharged on 13th September 1872. He served with his regiment through the Crimean War and was awarded the medal with clasps for Alma, Inkerman and Sevastopol, together with the Turkish medal. Afterwards, he served in India and was then sent to New Zealand where he went through the Maori War for which he was awarded the medal. On his discharge he also received the medal for long service and good conduct, with a gratuity of £5. He died at his home in New Brunswick Street, Salford on Friday 10th October 1902."

 

The funeral was held on Tuesday 14th October. The coffin was covered with a Union Jack and conveyed to the final resting place in plot K on a gun carriage drawn by four horses. Six Army Service Corps men acted as bearers. The service was conducted by Father Salvatore Carruccio, Priest at All Souls R C Church.