Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Biography -
- Ratsey Brothers -

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, August 27, 1915 Page 4

Captain Donald and Captain Clayton Ratsey, 8th Hants Territorials, (Princess Beatrice's I.W. Rifles), were officially reported missing since August 12th, and believed to have been killed in action. It is also officially reported that Major E. Lewis, Captain G.C. Loader and Second Lieutenant Watson, are missing and believed killed. Captain Loader belonged to the staff of the Capital and Counties Bank at Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press

Saturday, August 28, 1915

The news was received with intense regret at Cowes on Tuesday that Capts. Donald and Clayton Ratsey, who were serving with the "Princess Beatrice's" I.W. Rifles (1st/8th Hants Regiment) were reported to be missing and believed killed in the fighting at Gallipoli on the 12th inst. These two gallant officers belong to an old and greatly-esteemed Cowes family. They are the sons of Thomas W. Ratsey, the principal of the famous sail-making firm of Messrs. Ratsey and Lapthorn Ltd., in which business both the missing sons were interested. Capts. Donald and Clayton Ratsey, who were both unmarried, were educated at Forest School, and were aged 31 and 29 respectively. They were most capable and popular officers and enjoyed the complete confidence of the N.C.Os and men under their command. Imbued with the true and strong patriotism which has many times been demonstrated by their esteemed father, they rendered invaluable service in raising the strength of the Cowes detachment of the Island Rifles, and the highly efficient state of the detachment was mainly due to their keen interest, devotion, and close personal attention to the welfare and training of the men. Both officers were well known in yachting circles, skilled helmsmen, and frequently steered yachts at the Solent and other regattas. Capt. Donald Ratsey had put in about 12 years' service in the battalion, and Capt. Clayton Ratsey about 10 years. Both officers were of splendid physique. It is sincerely to be hoped that tidings will yet be received of the safety of these gallant officers, whose tragic fate so quickly after their arrival at the Eastern seat of war adds to the poignancy of the distressing news. Their death in the service of their country, in the very prime of manhood, would be a great loss to the distinguished regiment in which they have served with such conspicuous ability and to the town to which they belong. Sincere and universal sympathy is felt for the grief-stricken father, sisters, and other members of the family. Mr. Thomas Ratsey had all his five sons and a son-in-law serving their King and country. In addition to Capts. Donald and Clayton Ratsey, another son, 2nd Lieut. Stephen Ratsey (who had previously experienced active service with the Australian Expeditionary Force in New Guinea) is with the I.W. Rifles at Gallipoli. Lieut. T.C. Ratsey, R.N. is serving on H.M.S. Marlborough, and the youngest son, (*)Franklin, is in the Royal Naval Volunteers.

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY Friday, December 10, 1915 Page 2 Second-Lieut. S.G. Ratsey, of the Isle of Wight Rifles (son of Mr. F.W. Ratsey, of Cowes) is in hospital at Alexandria, suffering from dysentery and jaundice, and is gradually improving.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS

Saturday, December 8, 1917 Page 8

ISLAND OFFICERS' BODIES RECOVERED
Information has been received from Col. Marsh, Hants Regiment, that the bodies of Capt. C.S. Pittis, M.C., and Lieut. S.G. Ratsey, Hants Regiment, as well as that of Capt. C.G. Seeley, as previously announced, were recovered in the recent Palestine advance, and that all three were buried side by side with full military honours.