Archibald Arthur Robert RATCLIFFE

Archibald Arthur Robert RATCLIFFE. Son of Florence nee Tilbury and Sergeant2978 George Ratcliffe, 1st Suffolk Regiment. Born 19th November 1904 died 24th August 1910 aged 5 years and 9 months. At rest in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta. P2/R1/G1

Some notes from what remains of his father's army records.
He joined up on the 7 January 1891 at Bury St Edmunds Suffolk aged 18 occupation labourer. He lived with his parents William and Emily at Hintlesham, Suffolk. He previously served with the 3rd Suffolk Regiment
His father was originally his next of kin then his wife Florence she was living after the marriage at 107 Rectory Road, Stoke, Ipswich. On the 27th November 1895 at St Giles Church, London he married Florence Tilbury their children were. Stanley George born at Raydon Suffolk 24 May 1896, Florence Ida born at Ipswich 11 October 1897, Frederick Charles born at Dover Kent 29 January 1900 and Archibald Arthur Robert born at Woolwich London 19 November 1904 and died in Malta 25 August 1910.
Promotions and service extensions
Lance Corporal 31 December 1897. He was permitted to extend his period service to complete 12 years on the 16 August 1898. Corporal on the 7 March 1900. Re-engaged into Suffolk Regiment for such term to complete 21 years service with the colours. Sergeant on the 13 May 1905. On the 8th March 1911 he was permitted to continue in the service beyond 21 years.
He served in the following countries with periods of home postings (back in England)
Malta 10 April 1897 to 11 January 1899, returned to UK.
South Africa, Boer War, 11 November 1899 to 28 September 1902, UK, Malta with his wife and family 20 November 1907 to 24 January 1911 the to Egypt 25 November 1911 to 19 February 1914, UK. Posted to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 13 August 1914 to 8 November 1914 returning to England.

While he was on active service in France he was taken ill in 3 November 1914 and admitted to hospital in Bethune France , vomiting, and on the 7th November 1914 he was invalided to England from Boulogne on Hospital Ship St Andrew suffering from a mental illness. On the 30 June 1917 he was transferred from the 3rd Battalion into No 580 Employment Coy, Labourer Corp at Felixstowe. No record remains as to when he was discharged from the army .