Ray William Ritchie was born on 23 August 1922 at Taree to Arthur James Ritchie and Mary Jane Currie. He enlisted on 17 December 1941 into the Australian Imperial Force at Taree and was aged 19 years and 3 months stating his father Arthur Ritchie as his next of kin.
At the time of enlistment he was posted to 8th Infantry Training Battalion at Dubbo.
Ray embarked overseas and served in New Guinea from 16 November 1942 to 19 January 1943 and again from 23 July 1943 to 31 January 1944.
Ray was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Pacific Star, the War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45 and the Returned from Active Service Badge.
When Ray was discharged on 14 June 1946 he was posted to 2/31 Australian Infantry Battalion.
Ray’s brothers Eric John Ritchie and Victor James Ritchie also served during WW2.
Ray died on 10 September 1993 at Annandale aged 71.
