Born in Chatham The son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Grainger of Third St., Chatham, ON. Married his wife Doris (nee Nichols) for 13 years and had a  daughter age 12 (in 1944). The family resided at 273 Grand Ave. East, in Chatham. As a boy Ritchie delivered paper for the Chatham Daily News. Prior to enlistment he was employed at International Harvester in Chatham.

Ritchie enlisted in 1940, Pte. A470166. Appears on the “Muster Roll” of the 2^nd Bn., Kent Regiment, (MG), N.P.A.N. (date unknown).

Eleven years with 1st Division Signallers N.P.M. and Served with the 2nd kents until the time of Enlistment.

Ritchie served on the staff of No. 12 BTC in Chatham. “Lieut Grainger was a popular and efficient officer and was highly regarded by the Commanding Officer and his staff at No. 12 Basic Training Centre during the time he was stationed there.”

Served on the Staff at #12 B.T.C. for two years.

Ritchie received his commission as a Lieutenant in Brockville and was stationed at Ipperwash. He received advance training at Three Rivers, PQ., and Listowel, ON. in 1943.  Lieut. Grainger went overseas in December of 1943 as a reinforcement officer. Shortly after D-Day he went to France with the Nova Scotia Highlanders and saw action “throughout the days of that memorable invasion.”

The CDN 10/12/43 reported that Lieut. Grainger had been spending a weeks leave in Chatham with his wife and daughter at their home on Grand Ave. He returned to Brockville after his stay.

Lieut. Grainger was wounded while serving with the Nova Scotia Highlanders, he was commanding 17 Platoon when, on 18 September of 1944 at Chemin, France. His injuries consisted of a shrapnel  wound in one hip and a bullet wound in the other. The CDN Sep. 44 reported that his wife received a letter from Lieut. Grainger dated 19 September saying that he was coming along alright and expected to be evacuated to an English Hospital.  Invalided to England he remained in hospital until the end of November and was reported in the CDN 22/12/44 “now in an officers’ convalescent depot in England completing his recovery”.  

It was reported that he was making a “fine recovery”. In letter to his family Lieut Grainger, “does not expect or intend to return home until the war is over, providing he is able to continue in the military service.”

Was awarded the coveted Military Cross for Conspicuous gallantry at Chemin Vert, on the same date. Was promoted to the rank of Captain.

After returning to Canada was employed in the rehabilitation wing of the army at Headquarters in London.

It was reported in December CDN that he would be awarded the Military Cross for “his bravery and splendid leadership he displayed in action.”

He received his Military Cross for ‘great bravery”. CDN 22/06/45.

The Citation read as follows:

“Citation”

From the CDN 16/03/45.

The CDN 6/12/45(P) reported that the HQ of Military District No.1 at London ON., announced that Lieut. Ritchie M. Grainger (MC) had been promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Grainger was on a 30-day leave at his home on Grand Avenue and he had on immediate plans for the future. He was contemplating remaining in the Army for a “few years.

The CDN 21/06/45 reported that he was arriving home. Next of Kin: Mrs. Doris Grainger (wife) 273 Grand Ave. east, Chatham, ON. The CDN 22/06/45(P) reported that he was arriving the morning of the 22^nd in London, ON. and in Chatham that evening.

Curators note:- I knew Ritchie and occasionally worked with him at the International Harvester plant in Chatham (Later Navistar International) and liked and respected Ritchie very much as did others who knew him there. He clearly had a presence easy going but direct when that was required, the officer’s training showed through. JRH.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	Military Cross
Sources	2KRMR, CFF-FD44, KCFA, St.AUC-RH, IODE(P), CCI-RH, IH-RH, CDN, (22/12/44, 16/03/45) (21/06/45, 6/12/45)
Supplemental Information	Appears on the ‘Muster Roll’ of the 2nd Bn., Kent Regiment (MG), N.P.A.N. (date unknown).

Birthplace	Chatham, Ontario
Religion	United Church
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	October 1940
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Doris Grainger

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.