BARRATT, Private, THOMAS, V C, 17114. 7th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment. 27th July 1917. Age 22. Son of James and Sarah Ann Barratt. Essex Farm Cemetery I. Z. 8. An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30272, dated 4th Sept., 1917, records the following:-"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."