Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

HERBERT BINGHAM RATLIFF (1887-1968) born at Tumut, son of Checkley Hodges and Ellen Ann Ratliff nee Davis. He enlisted on September 25th, 1914, as Private No 324, 2nd Light Horse Regiment. He had previous service and training with the 4th Tumut Light Horse. Training started at Holsworthy when he was inducted into B Squadron, as Trooper. Boarding the HMT Lutzow on December 19th, 1914, proceeding to Gallipoli. Lance Corporal Ratliff began his return journey on January 7th, 1919. Herbert served the full campaign at Gallipoli, a true ANZAC. On May 21st, 1915 in was wounded in the right eye at Shrapnell Valley and was admitted to Naval Hospital Ship Soudan and then on to Egypt. He returned to Gallipoli in October but was again wounded by a bomb in the hand and chin. and sent to Malta. He reported killing one and wounding another in a Turkish attack at Chathams Post. An interesting career, he received promotions and demotions, Trooper, Lance/Corporal, Trooper, Lance/Sargent, back to Trooper – displaying initiative but also a lack of military discipline, and there many visits to hospital for wounds and illness. After evacuation from the Dardenelles, he then went to the Palestine and then the Western Front. He was awarded the Military Medal on the General Headquarters list – for general gallantry and devotion to service on January 5th, 1918. He returned to Australia on the Port Darwin on November 18th, 1918. He received his discharge on February 24th, 1919. Also awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
OUR SOLDIER BOYS
Pte. H. B. Ratliff, son of Mr C. H. Ratliff, of Gocup, has been awarded the Military, Medal. He left Sydney on December 22, 1914, with the second batch of Light Horsemen for Egypt. He was all through the memorable Gallipoli campaign and was twice wounded, on one occasion losing his right eye. The last news his father hear of him was in the Jordan Valley, Palestine, where he performed the deed which won for him the Military Medal.[ GUNDAGAI INDEPENDENT and PASTORAL, AGRICULTURAL & MINING ADVOCATE - Monday September 2nd 1918]