JOHN RATCLIFFE

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Image from the Evening Star – 23rd October 1941.

Born: 16th December 1919, at 130, Wherstead Road, Ipswich.

Died: 10th April 1941; age: 20; aircraft failed to return from Düsseldorf.

Residence: 25, Martin Road, Ipswich.

Occupation: an Electrical Salesman – Messrs. Flinders, Ltd., Ipswich.

John joined the R.A.F. in 1939. He was about to receive a commission when he was reported missing.

Rank: Sergeant/Pilot; Service Number: 748372.

Regiment: Royal Air Force, 50 Squadron.

The body was originally laid to rest at row 9, grave 78, at Venlo Cemetery, Limburg. On the 20th August 1947, the body was exhumed, identified, and reburied at Jonkerbos War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

16. F.4.

Jonkerbos War Cemetery,

Gelderland,

Holland.

Father: Robert Ratcliffe, born August 1884, Little Wenham, Suffolk.

Mother: Ruby Ellen Ratcliffe (nee Clarke), born June 1883, Hadleigh, Suffolk.

CENSUS

1921   130, Wherstead Road, Ipswich.

John was 18 months old and lived with his parents and siblings.

Robert Ratcliffe, 36 years & 10 months old, an Engine Driver for the Great Eastern Railway.

Ruby Ratcliffe, 38 years old, Home Duties.

Ida Ellen Ratcliffe, 10 years & 11 months old, at School, born Ipswich.

Hatty Jane Ratcliffe, 8 years & 11 months old, at School, born Ipswich.

Lilian Burston Ratcliffe, 4 years & 2 months, born Ipswich.

John was educated at Stoke Junior School and Central School, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich.

He was keenly interested in sport and was captain of the Ipswich Schools’ Football team in the 1933 – 34 season.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939

John was living with his parents & sisters at their family home – 25, Martin Road, Ipswich.

Robert, a Loco Engine Driver – London North Eastern Railway.

Ruby, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Ida, a Sales Ledger Clerk – Furniture. During the Second World War, Ida became a Voluntary Telephonist.

Lilian, an Underwear Silk Cutter.

1 other.

Probate to Robert Ratcliffe – father, an Engine Driver – Railway.

John is also remembered on the war memorial at St Mary at Stoke Church, Ipswich.

1st April 1941

Aircraft: Hampden; Serial number: P4405. John was taking off downwind on a solo training flight at Lindholme Airfield. The aircraft swung off the runway, and the undercarriage collapsed.

John escaped serious injury. The Hampden was wrecked.

10th April 1941

Aircraft: Handley Page Hampden; Serial number: AN789 – failed to return from Ops to Dusseldorf.