David John Ridler was born on 5 March 1893 at 3 James Street, Swansea. His parents were David Ridler and Annie Prior.

In the 1901 Census, he is shown living with his parents and 5 siblings at James Street. At that time, his father Robert was working as a Stableman.

By 1911, David was 18 and working as a Driver for a Grocer and his father Robert was working a Hostler in a Stables. Once again, the family was still living at James Street.

His Great Grandson added; He grew up in and around horses as his father was a Cab Driver / Ostler in Swansea.

David joined the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade in January 1915 and other than some short periods of leave, would have seem little of his Swansea and his family until he was demobilized after the end of the War. Two of his brothers also signed up. His Great Grandson added; Thomas James Archibald Ridler (725792), who you also have listed on your website, is one of ‘David John Ridlers’ brothers. He was born 23 August 1886 and died 9 July 1966. He’s in the group photo I sent you previously [see the image library]. Sadly, I’m not sure which one – but I suspect he’s the other chap sitting down (Front Right) as he is the oldest looking of the four brothers. The other two, ‘Bertie Francis Ridler’ (1897-1983) - served in the Royal Navy and ‘Stanley Gilbert Ridler’ (1899-1989) had a disability and was unable to join (which caused him great distress throughout his entire life that he wasn’t able to serve his country!)

Following the War, David returned to civilian life and on 19 September 1920 married Beatrice Elizabeth Prater at the Parish Church, Swansea and they went on to have 4 children; Ivy Elizabeth (1921), Frederick Robert (1925), David John (1928) and Violet May (1931). In the marriage register he gave his occupation as Tram Conductor and address as 23 Singleton Terrace.

In 1939, the family was living at 10 Rhondda Street and David was working as a Transport Bus Conductor.

David John Ridler passed away at the age of 67 in August 1960 and was buried at Morriston Cemetery. He was survived by his wife.

David John Ridler joined the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade sometime between 7 and 11 January 1915. Unfortunately, his service record was destroyed during the Blitz, but it is possible to piece together key elements of his service using the surviving scraps of information.

On enlisting, he would have been given a service number by the Brigade and whilst there are no surviving records to confirm this, based on other numbers, it is likely to have been 1118. Given his background, it is reasonable to assume that he was employed as a Driver and his Great Grandson confirmed; When the Great War broke out, my understanding is that initially he was employed to train and care for the horses which pulled the ‘big guns’ of the RFA,

He would have undertaken his basic training in Swansea and then its likely that he was posted to one of the Artillery Training Schools at Luton or Winchester.

On completing their training, later recruits into the Brigade were posted to wherever they were needed (as opposed to earlier recruits who typically served in the 53rd Welsh Division). There are no records of where Dvr Ridler was initially posted.

The next record of David Ridler is in August 1918 at the start of the final phase of the War when he was awarded the Military Medal. The General Commanding his Division wrote to him stating; No 725447 Cpl. D.J. Ridler D/Bty 83rd Bde RFA. I have read with great pleasure the report of your Regimental Commander & Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the Field on 27th/28th August 1918 at Caterpillar Wood

According to a family story, he was awarded the medal for the following; Whilst under fire he recovered artillery pieces that were abandoned after a fight.

The specific details are still unknown although the Brigade War Diary states that on 27 August; At 6.30pm CRA rang up to say that new positions were too far apart so that other priorities had to be found for B and D at the last moment. All Batteries moved to their new positions during the night.. It is possible that Cpl/A/Sgt Ridler earned his award during this move.

At this time, Cpl Ridler was serving with D Battery of 83 Brigade which was part of the 18th Eastern Division of Kitcheners Army (one of the New Army Divisions).

There is one final mention of Sgt Ridler on 28 September 1918 in the South Wales Weekly Post. The paper reports; Sergt DJ Ridler RFA, son of Mr and Mrs Ridler, 23 Singleton-terrace, Swansea, has been admitted to hospital suffering from the effects of gas in both eyes. There are also two other brothers serving.

It is not known whether Cpl/A/Sgt Ridler returned to active duty after his gassing or when he was demobilsied.

For his service in the Great War, David John Ridler was awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal.