| Surname: | Barratt |
| Initials: | J E |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | P/4963 |
| Notes: | MMP. From Exeter. Awarded the Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 13/3/1917. His name is spelt Barratt in the London Gazette and Barrett in some of the newspapers. Extract from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 15/11/1918 Notes Of The Day. The Military Medal has been confirmed on the following: P/4963 L/Cpl J E Barratt, Military Foot Policer, (Exeter). Extract from the Western Times, 3/12/19. MM FOR PC BARRETT. Over 300 of the 350 Special Constables, who did duty in Exeter during the war, gathered at Exeter Fuildhall last evening, when they were presented with illuminated certificate expressing appreciation of their services. The Major (Alderman T Bradley Rowe) presided, and was supported by the Sheriff (Mr Sidney Andrew), the Chief Constable ( Mr A F Nicholson, and members of the Watch Committee. The certificates were presented by the ex-Mayor (Sir James Owen). The Major first presented the Military Medal to P C Barrett, During the war, said the Major, PC Barrett was a Sergeant in the Military Foot Police serving most of the time near the firing line in France and Belgium. The Military Medal was awarded him for directing traffic at the four cross roads at Dizy, near Epernay, France, on July 23rd and 26th,1918, when there was a big movement on the part of four armies, English, American, French and Italian. They could easily, having knowledge of what it meant to direct traffic, imagine how great and difficult a task he had to perform. P C Barrett was loudly applauded when the Mayor handed him the medal. Extract from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 5/2/1943. Exeter Constables Retire. Two well known members of the Exeter Police Force, Constables John E Barratt and John H Gregory, retired last week-end. Both holders of the Police Good Service Medal. Both were in the Army during the last War. For many years, Constable Barratt has been a familiar figure in Exeter. A native of Exeter, he worked on the old LSWR, until joining the force in 1913. He served in France with the Military Foot Police from 1916 to September 1919, and won the Military Medal for bravery. On The Marne Front. Though subjected to heavy fire from aerial attack, he continued to direct traffic and convoys throughout a hotly fought engagement at Dizy, on the Marne front in 1917. The medal was presented to him on his return to England after the war, by the late Mr T Bradley-Rowe, who was then Major of Exeter. During his police career, Constable Barratt has been commended on a number of occasions. His smartness in apprehending two deserters won official recognition, so did his gallantry in assisting to save a woman from drowning, and his prompt and efficient action in subduing a fire at an Exeter foundry. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 31007 Page: 13400 Nov. 13, 1918) |
| Citation: | BEF France. |