World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Manchester, England, he served as a Private in the 6th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, British Army. On February 25, 1917 at Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia, Private Readitt advanced five times along a water-course in the face of heavy machine-gun fire at very close range, being the sole survivor on each occasion. These advances drove the enemy back and about 300 yards of the water-course was made good in an hour. After his officer had been killed, Private Readitt, on his own initiative, made several more advances. On reaching the enemy barricade he was forced to retire, but gave ground slowly continuing to throw bombs. When support reached him he held a forward bend by bombing until the position was consolidated. For gallantry in the face of the enemy he was awarded the Victoria Cross on May 7, 1917 and later achieved the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he returned to work at his family's business as a clogger and shoe repairer. He died at age 67 in Manchester, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Manchester, England, he served as a Private in the 6th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, British Army. On February 25, 1917 at Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia, Private Readitt advanced five times along a water-course in the face of heavy machine-gun fire at very close range, being the sole survivor on each occasion. These advances drove the enemy back and about 300 yards of the water-course was made good in an hour. After his officer had been killed, Private Readitt, on his own initiative, made several more advances. On reaching the enemy barricade he was forced to retire, but gave ground slowly continuing to throw bombs. When support reached him he held a forward bend by bombing until the position was consolidated. For gallantry in the face of the enemy he was awarded the Victoria Cross on May 7, 1917 and later achieved the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he returned to work at his family's business as a clogger and shoe repairer. He died at age 67 in Manchester, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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