Robert Ratcliff
Robert Frederick Ratcliff | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1867 Burton-on-Trent, England |
| Died | 1943-01-19 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, Territorial Army officer, politician |
| Years active | 1887–1925 (military), 1900–1918 (politics) |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Burton, Commanding officer of 6th North Staffordshire Regiment |
Colonel Robert Frederick Ratcliff CMG VD (1867 – 19 January 1943) was a distinguished English brewer, Territorial Army officer, and parliamentarian who served as the Member of Parliament for Burton from 1900 until 1918.
Hailing from Burton-on-Trent, Ratcliff was the son of Robert Ratcliff, a partner in the Bass Ratcliff and Gretton brewing firm. His education was completed at Rossall School followed by studies at Cambridge University. Entering the family brewing enterprise, he also committed to military service in the Territorial Army. Beginning his commission in 1887 with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the 5th Staffordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps, he advanced to the rank of major by the turn of the century.
Ratcliff secured election as a Liberal Unionist MP for Burton in 1900. He attained the honorary rank of lieutenant-colonel in the 6th North Staffordshire Regiment in 1907 and took over as commanding officer from John Gretton in 1909. In 1912, he realigned his political affiliation to join the Conservative Party.
Throughout the First World War, Ratcliff led the 1/6 North Staffordshires, participating notably in the Battle of Loos. His military contributions were recognized in 1916 when he was named a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Although he stepped down from Parliament in 1918, Ratcliff maintained his military leadership by commanding the reconstituted 6th North Staffords until 1924 and later serving on the County Territorial Army Association committee through 1925. In 1929, he held the position of High Sheriff of Derbyshire and demonstrated philanthropic commitment by funding the construction of a village hall at Newton Solney.