Richard Ratcliffe MM

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

55692

Unit at enlistment:

19th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Awards or decorations:

Military Medal

Commemorated at:

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Lancashire

Birth city:

Greater Manchester, Leigh

Address at enlistment:

36 Strathcona Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

36 Strathcona Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Machinist

Employer:

Waterous Engine Co.

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29780
Date: October 11, 1916
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Name: Richard Ratcliffe (55692)
Unit: 19th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry during operations 8th-12th, April. He was employed as a runner and many times carried messages and guided parties under shell fire to detached posts. He rendered first aid to a number of wounded men and carried a man who was wounded to a stretcher party.

BX June 22, 1916

Three Local Casualties

According to word received by his parents yesterday Private Richard Ratcliffe, 36 Strathcona Avenue, at the front with the 4th C.M.R., has been wounded in the cheek. Pte. Richard Ratcliffe was for three years connected with the 2nd Brant Dragoons and left with a draft from that body in the Second Contingent, later being transferred to the C.M.R. He is single and was formerly employed as a machinist.

BX August 11, 1916

Pte. Richard Ratcliffe is Wounded

Particulars of the wounding of Private Richard Ratcliffe of the 19th Battalion have been supplied to his parents, who reside at 36 Strathcona Avenue, by the Canadian Red Cross Society. This is only another instance of the good work of the Red Cross, which in addition to taking care of the wounded does all possible to communicate with their friends without loss of time.

Pte. Ratcliffe is not in the hospital at Woolwich suffering from shrapnel wounds in the abdomen and lower part of the back. He was wounded on June 9 and operated on at Poperinge. At the time the letter was written, July 12, he was doing well, although his left leg was still a little stiff as a result of the wound in his back. A later letter reports that Pte. Ratcliffe was again operated on July 17.

BX January 31, 1917

Four Returned Heroes Coming Home

Four more returned heroes are expected to arrive in the city on Thursday evening, according to word received this morning from the military hospitals commission at Toronto. The men who have returned are Privates Gavin Thomas Duncan, general delivery, George Langford, Y.M.C.A., Richard Ratcliffe, 36 Strathcona Avenue, and Edward Arthur Woolsey, 17 Park Avenue.

Private Gavin Thomas Duncan, who is a veteran of the Philippines, went over with the 58th Battalion. He is a single man and lives on the Paris Road. It was the second contingent that Pte. George Langford went across with. He is also single and was formerly employed as shipping clerk at Paterson’s. Pte. Richard Ratcliffe was reported wounded last June. He went over with the second contingent and was a machinist before enlisting. Pte. Edward Arthur Woolsey had nine years military experience when he signed up with the 125th Battalion a year ago this month.

BX November 4, 1914

A Farewell

The members of Trinity Church Girls’ Friendly Society held a farewell last evening at the church for the members of the church who will leave on Friday for Toronto with the active service contingent of the Dufferin Rifles. Each of the six members of the church who are leaving was presented with a testament, having previously received a Bible from the Men’s Bible Class. After the presentations, the remainder of the evening was spent in music, games and special entertainment, closing with the serving of dainty refreshments. The men are Ptes. Geo. Brooks, B. Smith, F.W. Stow, R. Ratcliffe, J. Benson and T. Cooper.

BX December 5, 1973

RATCLIFFE – At St. Joseph’s Hospital, on Tuesday, December 4, 1973, Richard Ratcliffe, (retired chief clerk customs and excise) in his 79th year; beloved husband of Eunice Steele, 283 Greenwich Street; dear father of Mrs. Hilda Margaret (Peggy) Horjan of Welland; also 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; brother of Jack of Coldwater, Michigan; brother in law of H. Bryan White of Toronto and George W. White of Hannon. Mr. Ratcliffe was a veteran of the First World War. Predeceased by his first wife Hilda Catherine Woods in 1949. Resting at Hill and Robinson Limited Funeral Home, Nelson and Queen Streets until Friday. Service in the chapel 3 p.m. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery. Rev. Douglas Black will officiate. Contributions to your favorite fund appreciated.