William Ratcliffe

He stormed enemy posts and silenced guns to protect his men.

William Ratcliffe was born at Liverpool in 1884 and attended St Vincent de Paul School. He worked at the docks before enlisting in the South Lancashire Regiment. After regular service he returned to dock labouring, then rejoined the Army in 1914 and reached France that December with the South Lancashire Regiment.

He received the Military Medal for action against snipers near Wulvergham in April 1917. At Messines on 14 June he discovered a machine gun firing into the rear of his comrades. Acting alone, he attacked its crew with his bayonet, captured the gun and brought it into the British line. He received the Victoria Cross.

Discharged in 1919, he returned to Liverpool docks. Employment was irregular and a serious workplace accident in 1946 ended his working life. Relatives supported him in retirement. After declining health he died on 26 March 1963 and was buried at Allerton Cemetery.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. After an enemy’s trench had been captured, Pte. Ratcliffe located an enemy machine gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, whereupon, single-handed and on his own initiative, he immediately rushed the machine gun position and bayonetted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action in the front line. This very gallant soldier has displayed great resource on previous occasions, and has set an exceptionally fine example of devotion to duty.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 31 July 1917. 2 August 1917, Numb. 30215, p. 7907