
I recently posted about some RFC/RAF officer's tunics I acquired and one has the name "S.E. Ritchie" on the tailor's tag. Through another forum, I was forwarded the info that this was likely Captain Stanley Edward Ritchie, who was killed at age 23 on April 16, 1919 while serving with the RAF aboard the HMS Argus.
The Argus was the first flush deck carrier built and I have been able to find out plenty about the ship itself, but nothing about the RAF squadron or squadrons serving aboard her. The tunic with his name in it has what appears to be a 1916 dated tailor's tag, so this young man was in service for a few years before his untimely demise.
Now my curiosity is piqued, who was Captain Stanley Edward Ritchie, what squadron/squadrons did he serve with, and where was he flying before he ended up aboard the HMS Argus? Also would there be any accessible records as to the circumstances of his accident or aircraft type?
Thanks to all and God bless.