Liverpool in Merseyside, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Pte. William Ratcliffe VC MM

“The Dockers’ VC”

— World War One Victoria Cross Centenary Commemoration —

Pte. William Ratcliffe VC MM Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

1. Pte. William Ratcliffe VC MM Marker

Inscription. This commemoration stone is laid in honour of William Ratcliffe (1884–1963) who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1917 whilst serving with the South Lancashire Regiment (now amalgamated into the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment). William (Bill) was born at 38 Newhall Street in the Diggle area of Liverpool, and was a pupil at St Vincent’s School in nearby Norfolk Street. When he left school, William worked on the Liverpool docks before joining the British Army at the age of 17 and served in South Africa during the Second Boer War. After serving he returned to the docks until the outbreak of WW1 when he re-joined his old regiment.

In April 1917 during the Battle of Messines, William Ratcliffe was awarded a Military Medal for gallantry and on 14th June, only a matter of weeks later, earned his Victoria Cross. He was 33 years old and a Private in the 2nd Battalion, the South Lancashire Regiment, when his battalion was ordered to attack a line of German trenches on Messines Ridge. William Ratcliffe was a stretcher-bearer, following up behind the advancing troops to bring in the casualties, and spent most of the night bringing in

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

the wounded through a heavy barrage. He also located an enemy machine-gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, picked up a rifle from a dead comrade and single-handedly rushed the machine-gun position and bayoneted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action on the frontline. His actions brought the award of the Victoria Cross, with which he was invested personally by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 26th September 1917.

When the war was over, Bill again returned to his job on Liverpool docks where he was affectionately known as “The Dockers’ VC”. In 1956, celebrations were held in London to mark the centenary of the Victoria Cross and all living holders were invited to be reviewed by the Queen in Hyde Park. Bill was reluctant to attend as he couldn’t afford to buy a suit for the occasion. When this became apparent, The South Lancashire Regimental Association intervened and a local gentleman’s outfitters very readily made him a complimentary new suit, and Bill travelled to London.

Bill never married and later lived with relatives at St Oswald’s Gardens, Old Swan. He died on 26th March 1963, aged 79, and is buried

Private William Ratcliffe Commemoration Stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

2. Private William Ratcliffe Commemoration Stone

The stone reads:

Private
William Ratcliffe
Prince of Wales’s Volunteers
(South Lancashire Regiment)
14th June 1917

at Allerton Cemetery. His medals, including his Victoria Cross and Military Medal, are on loan to the Imperial War Museum, London. The German Maxim machine gun which he captured that day in 1917 is on display at the Lancashire Infantry Museum.

His citation in the London Gazette reads:

“For most conspicuous bravery.

After an enemy’s trench had been captured, Pte. Ratcliffe located an enemy machine gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, whereupon, single-handed and on his own initiative, he immediately rushed the machine gun position and bayonetted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action in the front line. This very gallant soldier has displayed great resource on previous occasions, and has set an exceptionally fine example of devotion to duty.”

Erected 2017.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 26, 1917.

Location. 53° 24.413′ N, 2° 59.712′ W. Memorial is in Liverpool, England, in Merseyside. It can be reached from Old Churchyard near Chapel

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

3. Pte. William Ratcliffe VC MM Marker

The marker and four commemoration stones are laid in the garden. This stone is second from left.

Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker and commemoration stone are located within Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Garden. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 5 Old Churchyard, Liverpool, England L2 8TZ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in North West England.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Memorial to ‘The Liverpool Pals’ (here, next to this marker); Lieutenant Hugh McKenzie (here, next to this marker); Sgt Albert White VC (here, next to this marker); Sergeant Cyril Gourley (here, next to this marker); Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); Liverpool Blitz Memorial (here, next to this marker); Saint Nicholas's Church Yard (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of the Atlantic Memorial (a few steps from this

Paid Advertisement

marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liverpool.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.