LESLIE CYRIL RATLIFF
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.
Photographs courtesy of Peter & David Routh
Born: 24th February 1898, Ipswich.
Died: 18th August 1916; age 18; KiA.
Evening Star – Saturday, 14th July 1917 – WHILST ON SERVICE – In July 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ratliff, of 38, Bramford Lane, Ipswich, were notified that their second son, Private Leslie Cyril Ratliff, who had previously reported missing on the 18th August 1916, was now officially concluded to have been killed on or about that date.
Residence: 38, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 200675.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion.
Formerly Private, 2752, Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Memorial Reference:
Pier & Face 1C & 2A.
Somme,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Second son of Charles & Emily Ratliff, of 38, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.
Brother to CHARLES HAROLD RATLIFF.
CENSUS
1901 1, High Street, Ipswich.
Leslie was 3 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Charles John Ratliff, 35, a Jeweller – employer – at home, born Ipswich.
Emily Jane Ratliff (nee Pinner), 31, born Nacton, Suffolk.
Charles Harold Ratliff, 8, born Ipswich.
Dorothy Emily Ratliff, 5, born Ipswich.
Victor Frank Ratliff, 1, born Ipswich.
1911 36, Mumford Road, Ipswich.
Leslie was 13 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Charles, 45, a Jeweller – for the trade & private work – own account.
Emily, 41.
Charles, 18, a Boot Shop Assistant.
Dorothy, 15, Domestic Service.
Victor, 11.
Soldiers’ Effects to Charles J. Ratliff – father.
Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion:
“High Wood”
Suffolk Regiment records show:
4th Btn. On the 18th, not long before zero hour, Captain H.F. Ling was wounded, and still later, Lieut. R.D. Hume, M.C., entailing important changes in command at the last moment. Captain Ling remained in the trenches until the attack was over. Neither of the battalions on the right and left was able to make much progress. The 4th Battalion, in the centre, pushed forward. For a time, two of our companies occupied Wood Lane trench, but being unsupported, and 2nd Lieut. Bedwell (the only officer to reach the trench), having been killed, it was impossible to hold on. However, considering that the battalion had attacked after four days in the front line, it was justly pleased with its work. A rough night followed, during which the battalion was relieved. Early next morning, they moved to Fricourt Wood, and at sundown proceeded to a camp north-east of Meaulte, near Albert Road. The casualties on August 18th were as follows: Killed: 2nd Lieuts. V.L.S. Bedwell, H.C. Pawsey, E. Norton, and 33 other ranks. Wounded: Captain H.F.Ling; 2nd Lieut. N.E. Suttle and 108 other ranks. Missing: 50 other ranks. Total: 196. The 2nd battalion was seeing action at Cochrane Alley. The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914 – 1927 by Lieut.-Colonel C.C.R. Murphy (late the Suffolk Regiment)
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