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Preface
This volume has a twofold purpose. The first is to chronicle
briefly the military operations of the heroic, fighting battalion that
represented Newfoundland among the gallant and victorious troops of the
British Empire in the greatest war of history, and to illustrate its persistent
gallantry and splendid achievements by reference in each chapter to conspicuous
individual heroism. The second purpose is to put in compact form and within
reach of the public the individual military records of the first contingent
which embarked from Saint John’s on the most solemn duty that has ever
been thrust upon our country. The latter purpose has been greatly facilitated
by the data available at the Militia Department. The task of procuring
individual pictures of the men of the first contingent, which would add
meaning and individuality to each record has, however, been a most difficult
one. Only slightly less difficult has been the task of getting proper information
regarding the various engagements in which our Regiment took part. The
work has necessitated scores of interviews, and a continual search for
scraps of information wherever it could be found. This work does not profess,
however, to be a detailed record of the whole of the movements and a complete
description of every engagement of the Regiment. Many readers may be fortunate
enough to be able to supplement some of the descriptions or movements with
interesting information already in their possession These, however, will
be comparatively few. The hope is that the information contained herein
will become general, especially among the young people of our country,
who, when reading of heroes and heroic accomplishments, will not forget
the heroes of their own country. R. C.
Page Two
SERGEANT RICKETTS, V.C.
PRIVATE T. RICKETTS
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 accutate fire drove the enemy and their
gun teams into a farm. His platoon then advanced without casualties, and
captured four field guns, four machine guns and eight prisoners. A fifth
field gun was subsequently intercepted by fire and captured. By his presence
of mind in anticipation of 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 undoubltedly saved
many lives.
Page Three
PART I
Historical Sketch of the Military Operations of the Royal
Newfoundland Regiment
Page Four
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