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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 84

A 'Battle of Mons 1914' Prisoner of War campaign group of three awarded to Private A. W. G. Ratty, 'B' Company, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) who was taken a Prisoner of War on 23 August 1914, following his Battalion's historic defence of the Mons Canal between Nimy and Obourg Railway Station

On that day it successfully held its position for several hours against overwhelming odds, before finally being outflanked and thus compelled to withdraw at the cost of 9 Officers and 453 Other Ranks killed, wounded and missing

1914 Star (L-13798 Pte. A. W. G. Ratty. 4/Midd'x R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-13798 Pte. A. W. G. Ratty. Midd'x R.), good very fine (3)

Alfred William George Ratty was born at Southwark, London, on 18 May 1895, the son of William George Ratty (1861-1947) and Emma Petts (1866-1928). Recorded in the 1901 Census Return residing at the family home at No. 12 Gilpin Grove, Edmonton, his father's occupation is given as 'Floor Cloth Printer'. He is again recorded in the 1911 Census, residing at 40 Wakefield Street, Upper Edmonton, where his own occupation is listed as 'Cooper'.

Ratty attested for service with the Middlesex Regiment during late 1911, being posted to the 4th Battalion, which on the outbreak of the Great War was stationed at Raglan Barracks, Devonport, having been assigned to 9th Brigade, 1st Division, British Expeditionary Force. The Battalion entrained for Southampton on 13 August, and boarded the S.S. Mombasa later that day, arriving at Boulogne in the early hours of 14 August. Ratty is confirmed as having entered the France and Flanders theatre of war with 'B' Company that same day.

The Battle of Mons 1914

The Battalion was ordered to take up a defensive position along a one-and-half mile length of the Mons Canal, linking up to the west with the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers along the canal's north-western loop from Petit Nimy terminating at Obourg Railway Station to the east, a total of four bridges and two railway crossings to hold on 22 August 1914. The dispositions of each Company were as follows; 'D' Company was assigned the defence of the railway station and the two bridges near there; and 'B' Company the other two bridges linking up the line between the 9th Brigade and D Company, with C and A Companies occupying a line of hedge and isolated houses to the rear, in support.

Ratty's 'B' Company had established its Headquarters in a house at one of the level crossings, with one half-company working on trenches in rear of the railway line, two platoons on piquet duty at the two locks in front of H.Q. The company commander reported enemy occupying a village directly opposite his position at 09:30 on the morning of 23 August. Although first reports of the enemy having crossed the canal had been received at 07:30 hours, it was not until about 10:30 hours that 'D' Company reported being 'hard-pressed' and required reinforcements, one double-company of the Royal Irish Regiment being despatched. The entire positions then came under a 'terrific downpour' of shelling for some two hours before enemy infantry appeared at about 13:00 hours.

Orders to destroy the bridges were given but not actioned since the enemy were already across at several places threatening the retirement of 'B' and 'C' Companies. About this time, the OC received a report that a large force of infantry in close order was approaching from the west along the Binche-St Ghislain road. Firing from the hip, the enemy fire proved high and great execution was done by the two machine guns and rapid fire from 'C' Company. A general retirement was then ordered, at which point many detachments were overwhelmed and taken prisoner, the guns of the Royal Irish Regiment preventing a further advance by the enemy. At roll call later in the day, just 8 officers and 250 men were present from the original strength that went into action of 27 officers and 970 men, 'B' Company's loss being reported as 96 rank and file, including Ratty.

According to the British Red Cross POW Records, Ratty was captured at Mons on 23 August 1914, being recorded as a member of 'B' Company 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Further information reported that he had not been wounded and was interned at Gutersloh Prisoner of War Camp. He is also noted as being held at Senne P.O.W. Camp.

Ratty is recorded in the 1939 Census Return, residing at 34 Spencer Road, Tottenham, where his occupation is given as 'Furniture Examiner'.

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Sold for
£420

Starting price
£160