Thomas Barratt

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Photo by Terry Macdonald

Thomas Barratt (5 May 1895-27 July 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 22 years old, and a private in the 7th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 July 1917 north of Ypres, Belgium, Private Barratt, as a scout to a patrol, worked his way towards the enemy under continuous fire from hostile snipers, which he stalked and killed. Later his patrol was similarly held up and again he disposed of the snipers. When a party of the enemy were endeavouring to outflank the patrol on their withdrawal, Private Barratt volunteered to cover the withdrawal which he did, his accurate shooting causing many casualties and preventing the enemy advance. After safely regaining our lines this gallant soldier was killed by a shell.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Staffordshire Regiment (Lichfield, Staffordshire, England).