TO mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, LiveWire and Culture Warrington have called on schools and community groups to research the lives of war heroes. 

A remarkable story of a soldier helped pupils at Christ Church School in Padgate to appreciate the sacrifice many servicemen and women made for the next generation. 

The group, comprising of year five pupils, investigated the life of John Ratcliffe who attended the school between 1895 and 1901.

His name is engraved on a plaque at the school and the war memorial at Bennett’s Rec in Padgate along with 19 other former pupils who lost their lives during both World Wars.

Head teacher Ian Williams said: “Our school is here to serve our children. One of them, John, later gave his life for his country.

“He may no longer be with us, but he will always remain part of our school family. History club has given his story a chance to live again.”

Using material held at Warrington Library, a detailed picture of John’s life was pieced together. 

The children looked at census forms, maps, birth certificates, newspaper cuttings, company directories, regimental history publications and war diaries.

While at the library, the obituary from the Warrington Guardian was found which included a quote from the sister in charge at the casualty clearance station in France where John died.

John had originally fought with the South Lancs Regiment, whose barracks in Warrington were within walking distance of his house. He had been gassed at Ypres in 1917 and when he recovered he joined up with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

Phillip Jeffs, heritage manager at Warrington Library, added: “In the archives we had two great hopes for this project. The first was to help the children understand that every name in those long lists on a war memorial is a real person just like them.

“The second was to give the children the thrill of finding facts for themselves instead of just reading them from a history book. We would love to help other schools give their students a new perspective on history and a closer connection to the people who have shaped their world.”

Any schools or community groups wishing to take part can email Philip on pjeffs@culturewarrington.org.