Dec 25, 1895

Born in Toronto, Ontario to Daniel and Annie Rideal

Nov 6, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion CEF in Kingston, Ontario under the name of William Frederick Riddell

Ø  Number 59835 (temporary number 338)

Ø  Next of kin given as Joseph Riddell, Lethbridge, Alberta

Ø  Previous occupation given as Fireman

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Assigned to “C” Company

o   This was later reorganized into “B” Company

 
The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

Jun 20, 1916

Sentenced to 14 days Field Punishment #1 for being drunk while on fatigue duty and insolence to an Officer

Jul 21, 1916

Attached to the wood cutting party

Aug 28, 1916

Returned to duty from the wood cutting party

Sep 15, 1916

During the battle of the Somme, the 21^st Battalion was assigned the objective of capturing the sugar refinery south of Courcelette that was strongly defended by the Germans.  Severe fighting ensued and Private Riddell was declared missing in action.  His remains were discovered a few days later and he was buried in a nearby field.  Following the war the Imperial Graves Commission made an attempt to locate his remains but had no success.  He was subsequently honoured on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France for those killed during the war in France and have no known grave.

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his sister Mrs. Lena Cordingley, 27 Percy St., Little Horton, Bradford, Yorkshire, England

There was no Memorial Cross issued