Personal info
- Name: Thomas BARRATT
- D.O.B: 5th May, 1895
- D.O.A: 27th Jul, 1917
- D.O.D: 27th Jun, 1917
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 7th Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 11th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Near Boezinge, Ypres, Belgium 27 July 1917
27 July 1917
The First World War 1917
Towards the end of July 1917, 7th Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment was near Boezinge, just north of Ypres. On 27 July, preparatory to the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele), patrols were sent out to reconnoitre the state of German positions between the Yser and the Steenbeek, a small tributary which flowed to the east of it. Private T Barratt was a member of a 25-man patrol from B Company which encountered more Germans than expected. The enemy attempted to outflank it and it was largely due to Barratt’s actions that the patrol was able to effect its retreat.
Citation
For most conspicous bravery when as Scout to a patrol he worked his way towards the enemy line with the greatest gallantry and determination, in spite of continuous fire from hostile snipers at close range. These snipers he stalked and killed. Later his patrol was similarly held up, and again he disposed of snipers. When during the subsequent withdrawal of the patrol it was observed that a party of the enemy were endeavouring to outflank them, Pte. Barratt at once volunteered to cover the retirement, and this he succeeded in accomplishing. His accurate shooting caused many casualties to the enemy, and prevented their advance. Throughout the enterprise he was under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, and his splendid example of coolness and daring was beyond all praise. After safely regaining our lines, this very gallant soldier was killed by a shell.
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