World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New South Wales, Australia, he served as a Sergeant in the 25th Battalion, Australian Army. On March 22, 1945, Sergeant Rattey's unit was ordered to capture a Japanese stronghold following an allied air attack at Buin Road in South Bougainville. After determining that an attack would likely incur many casualties, he single-handedly attacked three Japanese weapons bunkers with his Bren gun. After eliminating one of the bunkers with a grenade, he returned to his section through enemy fire to obtain two more grenades and returned to destroy two more enemy bunkers. Shortly after his section advanced and encountered further Japanese machine gun fire. Sergeant Rattey again launched a solo attack on an enemy gun position, killing one, injuring another and causing the remaining gun crew to retreat. His section captured the Japanese machine guns with 2000 ammunition rounds. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on July 26, 1945. He died of emphysema at age 67 in New South Wales, Australia.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New South Wales, Australia, he served as a Sergeant in the 25th Battalion, Australian Army. On March 22, 1945, Sergeant Rattey's unit was ordered to capture a Japanese stronghold following an allied air attack at Buin Road in South Bougainville. After determining that an attack would likely incur many casualties, he single-handedly attacked three Japanese weapons bunkers with his Bren gun. After eliminating one of the bunkers with a grenade, he returned to his section through enemy fire to obtain two more grenades and returned to destroy two more enemy bunkers. Shortly after his section advanced and encountered further Japanese machine gun fire. Sergeant Rattey again launched a solo attack on an enemy gun position, killing one, injuring another and causing the remaining gun crew to retreat. His section captured the Japanese machine guns with 2000 ammunition rounds. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on July 26, 1945. He died of emphysema at age 67 in New South Wales, Australia.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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