The Airmen's Stories - P/O T G F Ritchie

Thomas Glyn Finlayson Ritchie, of Dunbartonshire, was born on 30th November 1913 in Milngavie, Dumbartonshire, the son of Thomas McGown Ritchie and Jane Finlayson Ritchie.

He was awarded Aero certificate 14059 on 3rd July 1936 at the Scottish Flying Club, his employment recorded as 'Manufacturer'.

Ritchie joined the RAFVR about July 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He carried out his pre-war training at 12 E&RFTS Prestwick.

He completed his training and was commissioned in March 1939. Called to full-time service at the outbreak of war, Ritchie joined 602 Squadron at Drem on 26th November 1939.

On 15th August 1940 he shared in the destruction of a Do17 and on the 19th he destroyed a Ju88. On the 23rd he returned to Westhampnett with damage caused by colliding with another RAF fighter in cloud.

Ritchie destroyed a Me110 on 25th August. On 6th September he was wounded in the legs when in combat with Me109s over Hailsham and was admitted to Chichester Hospital. He flew no further sorties in September or October 1940.

In March 1941 Ritchie was commanding 'A' Flight. On 21st July the squadron escorted three Stirlings to attack a target at Lille. On the way in they were jumped by Me109s and Ritchie, in Spitfire IIa P8478, was shot down and killed.

Ritchie is buried in Reninghelst churchyard extension, Belgium.