Barratt | William Cross | | Captain | BARRATT, WILLIAM CROSS, Captain, was born 2 June 1862, second son of James Barratt, of Hanslope, Buckinghamshire. He was educated at Bedford Grammar School, and entered the Militia, from which he joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment 5 December 1883. He served in the Sudan Expedition in 1885; Suakin, Reconnaissance to Hasheen, actions at Hasheeri and Tofrek, operations at and destruction of Tamai (Medal with two clasps; Bronze Star). He became Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps, 11 November 1885; served in the Zhob Valley Expedition, 1890; in the Waziristan Expedition; became Captain 5 December 1894; served in the operations against the Mazrui rebels; was Commandant, Indian Contingent. He was mentioned in Despatches; received the 1st Grade, 3rd Class, Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, and the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 11 October 1897]: "William Cross Barratt, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of his services during the operations in Mombasa". Captain Barratt's Insignia were sent out to East Africa, where the presentation had to be deferred until his return from the interior, where he then was, in connection with the troubles in Uganda. It was finally presented to him in England by the Queen on 11 May 1899. He served in Uganda, 1897-98, in command of the Indian Contingent; was present in the attack at Kijembo, capture of Kabagarnbi, engagament near Mruli, actions of Kakrugura, Jass Camp and Mruli. He was mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevet of Major 25 January 1899, and received the Medal with two clasps. In China, in 1900, he was present at the relief of Pekin; actions at Peitsang and Yaugtsun. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 May 1901], and received the Medal with clasp. He served on the NW Frontier of India in 1902; operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris; was promoted to Major 5 December 1901; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 25 July 1905; the Brevet of Colonel 25 July 1909; became Colonel 1 January 1911, and was created a CB in 1911. He was Divisional Area Commander, India, 13 September 1914 to 4 December 1919; promoted Major General 1 January 1917. Major General W C Barratt married, in 1907, Katherine Mathilde Goldsmith, formerly of Betton Hall, Market Drayton.
CB (Mil b/b), CSI (b/b), DSO, Egypt (2) Suakin 1888 Tofrek (Lt), IGS 1854 (1) Wazirtistan, AGS ' Mwele', East & Central Africa (1) Lubwa's, China (1) RofP, BWM, Khedive Star, USA Military Order of the Dragon, Zanzibar Brilliant Star (b/s). Salisbury Wardrobe Military Museum.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |