An aeronautical engineer and the son of Douglas and Victoria Ridley, Cyril Burfield Ridley received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 2474 on a Maurice Farman biplane at Hall School, Hendon on 20 February 1916. In 1920, whilst serving with 12 Squadron in Cologne, Germany, he was killed in a mid-air collision with John De Pencier.
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates, 1910-1950
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
"Flt. Lieut. (Actg. Flt. Cdr.) Cyril Burfield Ridley, R.N.A.S.
For distinguished services as a pilot and for courage in low-flying expeditions during which he attacked enemy trenches with machine-gun fire from a height of 30 feet.
On the 9th March, 1918, he attacked a formation of enemy scouts, selecting one which was attacking one of our machines. The enemy aircraft dived down with a quantity of smoke issuing from it, but appeared to flatten out at 2,000 feet and disappeared in the mist.
He has previously destroyed several enemy machines, and has at all times led his flight with great skill and courage."
Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 April 1918 (30635/4647)
Shared with FCdr Forster Maynard, FSL E Anthony (N6296), FSL H V Rowley (N5373), FSL Cecil Brock, FSL G B G Scott (N5455), FLt H L Everett (N6308), FSL Anthony Spence
