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Thomas Barratt VC

The grave of a hero Thomas Barratt, Victoria Cross.

Wikipedia has the following: He was 22 years old, and a private in the 7th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when he performed the act for which he was awarded the VC and which led to his death on 27 July 1917 north of Ypres, Belgium

 

For most conspicuous 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 the 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.

— The London Gazette, No. 30272, 4 September 1917[2]

 

 

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Uploaded on April 24, 2020
Taken on March 5, 2019