Thomas Ricketts was born in White Bay and was only 6 months past his 15th birthday when
he enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment in September, 1916. In October of 1918 he was
awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery in the British
 Commonwealth. He
was invested with the Victoria Cross by King George V, January 19, 1919.
In part the citation read:
"Private T. Ricketts was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous
bravery and devotion to duty on October 14,1918. During the advance from Ledgehem
the attack was temporarily held up by heavy hostile fire, and the platoon
to which he belonged suffered severe casualties from the fire of a battery
at point blank range. Private Ricketts at once volunteered to go forward
with his Section Commander and a Lewis gun to attempt to outflank the
battery. They advanced by short rushes while subject to severe fire from
enemy machine guns. When 300 yards away, their ammunition gave out. The
enemy, seeing an opportunity to get their field guns away, began to bring
up their gun teams. Private Ricketts at once realized the situation. He
doubled back 100 yards, procured some ammunition and dashed back to the
Lewis gun, and by very accurate fire drove the enemy and their gun teams
into a farm. His platoon then advanced without casualties, and captured
four field guns, fo ur machine guns and eight prisoners. A fifth field gun
was subsequently intercepted by fire and captured. By his presence of mind
in anticipating the enemy intention and his utter disregard for personal
safety, Private Ricketts secured the further supplies of ammunition which
directly resulted in these important captures and undoubtedly saved many
lives." Following the war, Ricketts returned to Newfoundland,
studied pharmacy and operated a drug store in St. John's for a number of
years. (Editors note: Newfoundland was not officially part
of Canada until 1949.)
|
