Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Photo of Wayland Salmon McRitchie – (From Stanstead College Yearbook, July 1919) Wayland McRitchie, Stanstead 1912-13, enlisted in June 1917, with a McGill draft which became a part of the 13th Canadian Siege Battery. While in England he qualified as an “Imperial signaller” and before crossing to France was attached to the 10th Canadian Siege Battery. A short tiem after reaching France, Gunner McRitchie was taken ill and sent to the Canadian Hospital No. 46 at Etaples. On the 19th day of May 1918, when the Huns bombed the hospitals at Etaples, Jerry Pettes and many other brave lads were killed, Gunner McRitchie also met his death. An interesting incident has recently come to light. Among the soldiers detailed to remove the debris after this attack by the Hun airmen was a boy from Wayland’s home town, Scotstown. He it was who found and identified Gunner McRitchie’s body among the ruins of the hospital.