He left the Air Force soon after and was on the retired list by 1928, although he was recalled in 1939 on the outbreak of the Second World War. During the Second World War, he served as a Wing Commander in various appointments including Leeds University Air Squadron. Death Ridley died in the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, London on 27 June 1942. His death was attributed to natural causes rather than a circumstance of the war. His wish to be buried near to Stow Maries aerodrome was granted, and like many others who had served at Stow Maries, his grave is located in the churchyard of St Mary and St Margaret's Church in the village. Commemorations The home that Ridley lived in during his family's time in Sunderland had a blue plaque affixed to the wall in 2016. Military Cadet organisations in the area of Essex around the former Stow Maries Aerodrome, compete in the Ridley Trophy competition annually by vying for timings on an assault course. References Sources External links Grave burial certificate via CWGC 1897 births People from Sunderland British aviators British Army personnel of World War I British World War I pilots 1942 deaths Royal Air Force personnel of World War I Royal Flying Corps officers Royal Fusiliers officers Royal Air Force personnel of World War II Royal Air Force wing commanders British World War I prisoners of war World War I prisoners of war held by Germany British escapees Escapees from German detention