Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the Bridgnorth area who died during the two World Wars.
This name appears on the War Memorial in St Mary Magdalene Church. I have not been able to find an Edward Ratcliffe with a connection to Bridgnorth.
It seems likely that the man referred to is actually EdGAR Ratcliffe, who is recorded in the 1911 census as 'Apprentice (Draper)', lodging at 47 High Street.
Edgar was born in Worcester in 1890. He was the son of Thomas Ratcliffe, glove maker (employer), and his wife Jane. By 1901 the family had moved out of the city and were living in the village of Cotheridge.
Edgar volunteered in Kidderminster. It is possible that he already had some military experience as he was sent to France in March, 1915. He served in the 1/7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and was killed in action on 21 August 1916.
Sergeant Ratcliffe, 2639, was awarded the Victory and British medals and the 1915 Star.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg. For news of updates follow @BridgnorthHeros on Twitter.