Biographical Background
Thomas Ricketts, also known as Tommy Ricketts, was a young Newfoundland soldier renowned for his bravery during the First World War. Born to John and Amelia, Ricketts was a member of the Church Lads’ Brigade, an early cadet movement, until he enlisted in the army in 1916, misrepresenting his age. He joined the 1st Battalion, Newfoundland Regiment, and saw his first action in Belgium the following year. Ricketts was wounded in the leg during the fighting in France in November 1917 but continued to serve with his regiment until September 1918, when they were transferred to the 9th (Scottish) Division.
Actions Leading to the Victoria Cross
Ricketts demonstrated his heroism in October 1918 at Ledeghem, Belgium. In the early hours of an assault, Ricketts and his B Company successfully repelled the Germans, seizing control of three pillboxes. The regiment attempted to cross the Wulfdambeek stream but was pinned down by enemy shelling. At that moment, Ricketts stepped forward, alongside his section commander, Lance Corporal Matthew Brazil, to flank the German gun position. Despite being under heavy enemy fire, the two soldiers advanced until they ran out of ammunition. Ricketts exhibited remarkable courage as he swiftly covered a distance of 90 meters back to his unit’s position, retrieving additional ammunition before rejoining Brazil1. Their combined efforts compelled the Germans to retreat to nearby farm structures.
Ricketts’ audacious actions yielded significant outcomes, enabling his platoon to advance against the enemy, capturing four field guns, four machine guns, and eight captives. Subsequently, they acquired a fifth field gun. For his actions at Ledeghem, Ricketts was awarded the Victoria Cross, the youngest-ever recipient at just 17 years old. He continued to serve in the military until 1919 and was later elected as a member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly1. Ricketts’ life and heroism are remembered and celebrated in Canada today.
Defining a War Hero
Being a war hero involves acting courageously and selflessly in the face of danger during wartime, risking one’s own life to protect and defend others. Such actions can range from volunteering for dangerous missions to rescuing wounded soldiers or civilians to taking extraordinary risks in combat to help secure a victory. These depictions of war heroes have been essential to inspiring and preserving a nation’s morale and identity during times of war.
The Role of War Heroes in Society
Generally, war heroes have an essential role in society. They serve as symbols of valor and sacrifice, inspiring others to act selflessly and to strive for great things. Furthermore, war heroes form an important part of our cultural memory, reminding us of the sacrifices and lessons learned in times of war. However, we must also be cautious about glorifying war itself or the causes for which these heroes may have fought, as this can lead to the glorification of violence and can obscure the darker aspects of conflict.
Impact of Canadian War Heroes on National Identity
Canadian war heroes have been instrumental in shaping Canada’s identity as a nation that values courage, selflessness, and sacrifice. They represent these values, being the pulse of grassroots patriotism during Canada’s times of conflict. The war heroes have served to remind Canadians of their country’s proud history of military service and its contributions to global conflicts.
Moreover, their stories have highlighted the diversity of Canadians who have served, from Indigenous soldiers to immigrants, who have all contributed to the country’s military history. This has helped to reinforce a sense of national identity that is inclusive of Canada’s many different cultures and heritages, emphasizing that war and sacrifice are common human experiences that are shared across differences.
References
Boileau, John. 2007. “Thomas Ricketts, VC.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. Web.
Raney, Tracey. 2013. “Le «patriotisme Par Le Bas» Au Canada: Reconstruire l’identité Nationale Sur l’«Autoroute Des Héros».” Critique Internationale 58 (1): 19-34. Web.
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