Ratcliffe VC Machine Gun Outing To Memorial Stone Ceremony

This Day In History

1719 The Grenadier company of Wills' Regiment (later 1st East Lancashires), part of an expedition sent to capture the French-held Fort Annapolis, Nova Scotia, provide cover for the landing of the Marines. The French are allowing Annapolis to be used as a base for privateers attacking British settlements in New England.

1915 Battle of Loos. The final British offensive of 1915 begins. 1st Loyal North Lancashires make a gallant but unsuccessful assault in the face of uncut German wire, machine guns and gas. When, after a second attempt, the survivors rally in the trenches, only 3 officers and 159 other ranks remain on their feet, 16 officers and 489 men having fallen. It is in the aftermath of this attack that Private Henry Kenny earns the Victoria Cross. Also on this day 2nd South Lancashires make a brave but costly attack on the Bellewarde Ridge, but lose heavily to the lethal combination of machine guns and barbed wire.

1915 Private Henry Kenny, 1st Loyals, wins the VC near Loos, France, by going into No Man's Land on six separate occasions, and under heavy fire each time, to bring in wounded men

Ratcliffe VC Machine Gun Outing To Memorial Stone Ceremony

Published 18/06/2017 | By RogerG

On 14 June 2017 Museum Trustees Roger Goodwin, David Rogan and Gareth Wright took the Ratcliffe VC Machine Gun to the ceremony in Liverpool to unveil the memorial pavement to William (Billy) Ratcliffe VC – the Docker VC. It was 100 years to the day since Billy captured the German gun in the action for which he was awarded the VC. Members of his family were present to see him honoured. It was the first time the Ratcliffe Machine Gun had left the Museum since its arrival over 30 years ago. Pictures by Chris Vere.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool unveils the Ratcliffe Memorial Stone at Liverpool Parish Church

The Ratcliffe Memorial Stone

The Museum’s party with the Ratcliffe Machine Gun

Trustee Roger Goodwin presents the Ratcliffe VC machine gun

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