New plaque honours Victoria Cross hero

A brave Midland soldier who stayed behind to shoot at the enemy to allow his patrol to escape during a First World War battle is to have a new plaque erected in his honour.

Thomas Barratt was a 22-year-old private in the 7th Battalion, the South Staffordshire Regiment, when he performed the act for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross and which led to his death in July 1917.

During a fierce battle in Ypres, Belgium, the young soldier worked his way towards the enemy line and bravely took out numerous snipers. Later during the fight he covered the withdrawal of his patrol with accurate shooting causing many enemy casualties. His actions prevented the enemy's advance, and saved many lives but tragically the young soldier was killed by a shell.

To recognise his heroism a block of flats on Batmanshill Road in Tipton was named Barratt Court after the young soldier and a plaque was erected on the building in his memory.

Last year however, the flats were renovated and the plaque disappeared, and residents called for a new plaque erected and the building re-dedicated to the soldier.

Sandwell Homes who own the building have had a new plaque made and the building will be re-dedicated to the town hero in May.

Barratt was brought up around Tipton and Coseley and it is believed he worked at Thompson Tankers, Great Bridge Road in Bradley before signing up.

Members of South Staffordshire Regiment Association wants his relatives to join celebration at Barratt Court at midday on May 4.

Secretary of the South Staffordshire Regiment Association Trevor Evans said: "Our regiment has 13 Victoria Cross recipients in our history and Thomas Barratt is a very important part of that history. He was only a young lad when he was killed and it is very important that we recognise the sacrifice."

He added: "We would love to have some of Thomas Barratt's family at the dedication service. He was very young so was not married, but he will probably have had family in the area. It would be wonderful if they could be part if it."

Any family members who wish to attend are invited to contact Mr Evans on 01785602530 or trevoroldstafford@btinternet.com