Private Thomas Ricketts
Individual attestation record images are not available for this person.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
MILITARY INFORMATION
Private (British Army).
Victoria Cross
Croix de Guerre (France)
Source: http://www.therooms.ca/regiment/soldier_files/Ricketts_Thomas_rnr-0425.pdf
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Images
RESEARCH INFORMATION
Croix de Guerre avec Étoile d'Or
Newfoundland Militia Order No. 30.
The Royal Gazette of Newfoundland, January 7th 1919.
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the Award of the French Croix de Guerre with Golden Star to Pte. Thomas Ricketts.
Distinguished Conduct Medal - Despite many sources stating that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal this is not so. This error was made in 1919 by the Pay & Records Office of the Newfoundland Contingent.
Victoria Cross
London Gazette, January 6th 1919
Action Date, October 14th 1918 - Ledeghem - Drie Masten
For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 14th October 1918, during the advance from Ledeghem, when the attack was temporarily held up by heavy hostile fire and the platoon to which he belonged suffered severe casualties from the fire of a battery at point-blank range.
Pte. Ricketts at once volunteered to go forward with his section commander and a Lewis Gun to attempt to outflank the battery. Advancing by short rushes under heavy fire from enemy machine guns with the hostile battery, their ammunition was exhausted when still 300 yards from the battery. The enemy seeing an opportunity to get their field guns away, began to bring up their gun teams. Pte. Ricketts, at once realizing the situation, doubled back 100 yards under the heaviest machine gun fire, procured further ammunition, and dashed back again to the Lewis Gun, and by very accurate fire drove the enemy and the gun teams into a farm.
His platoon then advanced without casualties, and captured the four field guns, four machine guns, and eight prisoners.
By his presence of mind in anticipating the enemy intention and his utter disregard of personal safety, Pte. Ricketts secured the further supply of ammunition which directly resulted in these important captures and undoubtedly saved many lives.