Born 11/06/1919 at Chatham, ON., the son of Ralph and Lottie (Stover) Ritchie of 96 Edgar St., Chatham. The brother of: James Leigh (KIA 4/05/44), Jean, Norma, Harriet, Donna, Charlette and Marion.

Before joining the Essex Scottish Max was in the Pictou Highlanders. He served two years overseas before being returned to Canada where he became an instructor at Niagara-on-the-Lake.

He enlisted with the Essex Scottish in 18 September, 1939 at Windsor, ON.  The brother of US Army Nurse Harriet Ritchie serving overseas and F/O. James Leigh who was KIA on operations with the RAF “Pathfinder squadron”.

It was reported that CSM Ritchie was engaged too Mary Jean (nee Mahon) in August of 1944 with a wedding planned for September.  CDN 22/08/44. The father of Tim, Mike and Beth (Meuser).   He married Mary Jane (nee Mahon) on 18 September, 1945 and they had three children Michael, Tim and Beth. J. Currie-notes

He went overseas with the Essex Scottish and trained in England until April of 1942 when he was returned to Canada to be an instructor. He was stationed at Sussex, NB. with the Pictou Higlanders as a CSM. In December of 1944 it was reported he was an instructor with the Seaforth Highlanders stationed on the east coast, instructing in weaponary CDN 30/12/44 . Douglas spent six years in the Army as a Warrant Officer returning from service 9 July, 1945. GOH-OS.

Douglas passed away 13 June, 2004 at the age of 86 years. Interment unknown?

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE(P), MHSB, RCLM., MD-RH, CAN-Obit (14/10/15 (wife).), J. Currie - Notes

Birthplace	Chatham
Religion	Roman Catholic
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	September 1939
Next of Kin	Mary Jean Ritchie (Wife)

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