57262: Essex Farm Cemetery: Thomas Barratt VC

The cemetery frequently came under enemy shellfire. Bodies were exhumed by the blasts. The canal is behind the bank running parallel to the graves."
Here is one Victoria Cross burial, Private Thomas Barratt VC of the South Staffordshire regiment, who lies with three other men of his regiment killed on or about the same day (27th July 1917)" His passing was commemorated with plaques in his home town, and at the canteen at his place of work, and dedications provided by the officers and men of his regiment, as well as a memorial service. An extract from The London Gazette, dated 4th September 1917, records the following:, includes "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."(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Barratt).