Help if possible

[Bloodsuka]

Hi I'm trying to find out about my husband's grandad who served in ww2 bug I keep hitting brick walls searching we only know his name private William ratcliffe and his number 4909857 South Staffordshire also we think he might have a medal but unsure how to find out we are struggling as there's no family to ask for info any help would be appreciated as iv give up dpingbthe family tree and thought this would be easier

[nanny jan]

Hi,

Welcome to Rootschat. 

His service record will be held by the MOD and not online. You can send for a copy, cost £30.  This link gives the details:

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=651361.0

[Bloodsuka]

Hi thank you very much for that ill take a look

[jennifer c]

Start with your husband and who his parents were, from there find their marriage, this will give his fathers name and occupation. work your way back like this through each generation, also 1939 index will prove useful once you have a name, date and area.
Free BDM index will help.
Jennifer

[meganb]

I just found this post because I am also looking for information on William. My name is Megan and I am his great, great grandaughter. William’s daughter (my great nan), Kathy, is still alive today and I am in contact with her. I’m not sure if you are still active on this site but feel free to reach out to me. Currently, we are looking for William’s military portrait.

[Girl Guide]

Hello Megan

Welcome to Rootschat.

It looks as though William died in the Second World War going by the below:-

First name(s)   William
Last name   Ratcliffe
Birth year   1906
Age   39
Death year   1945
Death date   05 Mar 1945
Number   4909857
Rank   Private
Regiment   South Staffordshire Regiment
Grave reference   Old part. Grave 17901.
Cemetery or Memorial   Newcastle-Under-Lyme Cemetery
Burial country   United Kingdom
Additional information   Son of Ellen Ratcliffe, of Newcastle-under-Lyme; husband of Kathleen Ratcliffe, of Knutton.

[garstonite]

I just found this post because I am also looking for information on William. My name is Megan and I am his great, great grandaughter. William’s daughter (my great nan), Kathy, is still alive today and I am in contact with her. I’m not sure if you are still active on this site but feel free to reach out to me. Currently, we are looking for William’s military portrait.

Hiya Megan and a warm welcome to Rootschat
on his headstone it says
MEMORIES DEARER THAN GOLD OF A LOVED ONE WHOSE WORTH CAN NEVER BE TOLD. WIFE KATHLEEN AND CHILDREN
so your Great Nan his named after her mum   xxx    Kathleen

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME CEMETERY Old part. Grave 17901

https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2713110/ratcliffe,-william/

[LizzieL]

Freebmd has marriage registered Q1 1934 at Newcastle under Lyme for Kathleen  Donlon and William Ratcliffe
 Could be the one

[meganb]

Thank you all for the help! Just recently found William’s exact birthday- it is Nov 21 1907. He lived at 20 Bristol St, Newcastle Under Lyme in 1939. Died at 110 St Bernards Rd in 1945.