2nd Lieutenant Ronald Anderson Budden
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1897 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Date of Death | 31 July 1917 |
| Service Number | |
| Military Service | Worcestershire Regiment 1st Battalion (29th Foot) |
| Merton Address | 25 Marlborough Road |
| Local Memorial | St. Luke's Church, Wimbledon |
Additional Information
Ronald was born in Bournemouth, Dorset on 16 October 1897. His father, Horace was a Merchant Taylor and his mother’s name was Laura Evangeline. Ronald had two sisters Dorothy and Barbara. He attended Bournemouth School (fee paying) and the Royal Military College before joining the 1st Battalion, (29th Foot) Worcestershire Regiment.
Although still living in Bournemouth in 1911, the family moved to 35 Marlborough Road in Wimbledon Park shortly after the census was taken.
In July 1917, aged just 19, he was awarded the Parchment Certificate for gallant conduct and devotion to duty by the General Officer commanding the 8th Division, the official record stating:
“He was in charge of a patrol which entered the German lines near Hooge, east of Ypres, on the night 27-28 July 1917. He carried out his reconnaissance with skill, judgement and determination. He handled his men well and returned with valuable information.”
According to De Ruvigny’s, Ronald was a very brave young man and well thought of by both officers and men. On 31 July, the company he was with had already attacked and captured the first and second line of enemy trenches. Whilst attacking the third line they were checked by machine gun fire. Ronald raised himself in order to throw a bomb and was shot through the head by a German sniper. The advance was successful and the gun captured but it was too late for Ronald.
Ronald is commemorated on the Menin Gate and in St Luke’s Church in Wimbledon Park.