Born: 20th August 1867 in the Parish of Keith Banffshire
Date of Act of Bravery: 9th May 1915 Rue du Bois, Aubers Ridge
London Gazette:
Location of VC: Black Watch Museum
Died: 14th August 1933, St Andrew's Fife, Upper Largo Churchyard
Citation: For most conspicuous bravery at Rue Du Bois on May 9th 1915. When leading his section on the right of the right platoon in the assault, he was the first man of the battalion to ascend the enemy's parapet and from there he directed those following him to gaps in the German wire entanglements. He then led his section through a break in the parapet to a second line of trench which had previously been decided upon, as the final objective in this part of the line. In that position Cpl Ripley with seven or eight men established himself blocking both flanks and arranging a fire position until all his men had fallen and he himself been badly wounded in the head.
Army Service: Age on enlistment 45
Trade: Slater
3rd Btn Corporal 25th September 1914
1st Btn 18th February 1915
Depot Battalion posted ex expeditionary force 11th May 1915
3rd Btn appointed acting sergeant 2nd July 1915
Transferred Class z Army Reserve 28th March 1919
At home: 4 yrs 103 days
Abroad 82 days
Total 4yrs 185 days
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