David William Ritchie was the youngest child of John and Sarah Ritchie. He was born on 10th November 1886. He was one of four children. They lived in Kilrea and were a farming family. Corporal David William Ritchie was serving with the North Irish Horse when he died in France on Wednesday 17th March 1915. Reports suggest he did not die as the result of enemy action.
St. Omer is a large town 45 kilometres south-east of Calais. Longuenesse is a commune on the southern outskirts of St. Omer. The Cemetery is approximately 3 kilometres from St Omer, beside the Wizernes (Abbeville) road (the D928), at its junction with the Rue des Bruyeres. There is a large car park to the rear of the cemetery.
