Gabriel Ritchie - Stoker 1st class
Royal Navy D/KX 86360
Died: 25th November 1941, At Sea
Gabriel (Gibby) Scott Ritchie was born in Inverkip in 1916. His parents were Archie and Hannah Kane Ritchie.
According to the 1911 census, the family lived at Bridgend, Inverkip with six children. Archie Ritchie’s occupation is given as forester and was born in Inverkip. His mother was born in Shettleston, Glasgow.
Gabriel served in the Royal Navy onboard HMS Barham. He died on 25 November 1941 aged 24 after his ship was hit by three torpedoes north of Sidi Barrani. It sank quickly when one of the magazines exploded. He is commemorated at the Naval Memorial, Plymouth Part VIII. HMS Barham, was launched in 1914 and was built by John Brown and Co Ltd, Clydebank. It was one of the largest ships sunk – 31,100 tons. Over 800 men lost their lives.