On the Portsmouth Naval Memorial is the name of P/JX 141524 Petty Officer Telegraphist James Souter Ritchie, serving on H.M.S. Hood with the Royal Navy who died 24/05/1941.

The son of David Coull Souter Ritchie and Sarah Jane Ritchie, of Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

James was born on the 7th August 1917 in Hartlepool, County Durham to David Souter and Sarah Ritchie. He was a friend of Hugh “Mickey” Stothers.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 09/06/1941
Reported Missing.
Confirmation has been received by Mrs Sanderson, of the Fire Station, Hartlepool, that her son Acting Petty Officer Telegraphist James S. Ritchie (23) is missing and presumed killed. James Ritchie was educated at Galley’s Field and Henry Smith Schools. He joined the Navy at the age of 16, and served on the Hood, Renown, and Warspite, being attached to last named ship during the Battle of Narvik. He is a stepson of Captain Sanderson, head of the Hartlepool Fire Service.

James Souter Ritchie is remembered at West Hartlepool on W111.055 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.