Thomas Barratt (VC)

He covered the patrol’s withdrawal and stopped its pursuers.

Thomas Barratt was born at Coseley on 5 May 1895. After his mother's death and his father's illness, he spent years in the Dudley workhouse school before being taken in by his grandmother. He worked at local foundries and enlisted in the South Staffordshire Regiment in January 1915, serving at Gallipoli and later on the Western Front.

Near Boezinge on 27 July 1917, he scouted ahead of a patrol under close sniper fire, overcoming successive enemy marksmen. When enemy troops tried to outflank the withdrawing patrol, he volunteered to cover the retirement. His accurate fire prevented their advance and brought his comrades back. After returning to British lines, he was killed by a shell.

There was no subsequent career. He was buried in Essex Farm Cemetery. His brother James received his posthumous Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace in October 1917.

Official Victoria Cross 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.

Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 4 September 1917. 6 September 1917, Numb. 30272, p. 9260