| Regimental number | 852 |
| Place of birth | Blyth South Australia |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Address | Ardrossan, Yorke's Peninsula, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 19 |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Mary W Rathke, Ardrossan, Yorke's Peninsula, South Australia |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 43rd Battalion, C Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/60/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A19 Afric on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 48th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations near LE VERQUIER on the 18th September, 1918. Corporal RATHKE, noticing his company had been temporarily held up, with great judgement and initiative, led his section to the flank for the purpose of enfilading the enemy post. Meeting with heavy machine gun fire he was forced to return, but, on securing sufficient grenades, he again led his section and with the aid of rifle grenades overcame the opposition. His work throughout the operations set a fine example of grit and determination and inspired great confidence in the men of his platoon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
