67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Workshop, Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Died on Tuesday, 14th July 1942 aged 33
Personal Information:
William Harry was born on 5 September 1909 at 28 Wellington Street Strand, the eldest son of Harry Rattle (1885-1955) and Gertrude Harrison (1890-1924), who were married during 1908 in St Pancras. He was baptised on 28 September 1908 at St Michael Camden Town and had two brothers and a sister.
In 1911 his father Harry was a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and the family were living in Rome Road New Romney. Also serving in WW1 from 12 March 1915, his father was awarded the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1914-15 Star, and was sent to reserve on 9 March 1919. In 1939 widower Harry was living at 251 Rose Hill Road Ipswich and working as a carter and general labourer.
His mother Gertrude was born on Drake’s Island and in 1891 she was living in the Mount Wise Barracks in Devonport. Her father William Harrison was a Battery Sergeant Major in the 4th Battery Western division of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
William’s younger brother Charles James Hughes Rattle (1914-1985) was also in the Second World War. He was a tank troop sergeant in North West Europe with the Royal Hussars. As a result of his leadership and bravery during that conflict, Charles was recommended for the Military Medal.
Historical Information:
The 67 (York and Lancaster) HAA regiment was part of the 1st Indian Anti-Aircraft Brigade in India at this time, and went into action in Assam later during September that year.
Cemetery:
6D7 Delhi War Cemetery, India.
Delhi War Cemetery is about 11 kilometres from New Delhi, on the eastern outskirts of Delhi Cantonment.