Claude Alward Ridley
Claude Alward Ridley | |
|---|---|
The blue plaque in Sunderland to commemorate the life of Claude Alward Ridley | |
| Born | 15 November 1896 Sunderland |
| Died | 27 June 1942 (aged 45) The Dorchester Hotel, London |
| Buried | St Mary and St Margarets churchyard, Stow Maries, Essex 51°39′49″N 0°39′01″E / 51.6636°N 0.6502°E |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army (1914–18) Royal Air Force (1918–42) |
| Years of service | 1914–1928 1939–1942 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 03036 |
| Commands | No. 37 Squadron RAF No. 39 Squadron RAF No. 61 Squadron RAF No. 75 Squadron RAF No. 112 Squadron RAF |
| Battles / wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Military Cross |
| Spouse(s) | Lillias Elizabeth McAlpine |
Claude Alward Ridley, DSO, MC (15 November 1897 – 27 June 1942) was a British aviator and military officer. During the First World War, he served as a fighter pilot and was decorated for home defence in southern England against German attacks from planes and Zeppelins. While a pilot with No. 60 Squadron, Ridley landed in occupied France and, despite being taken prisoner, he escaped and spent several weeks on the run before returning to England via the Netherlands.