Rifleman Ralph Kenchatt was born on 12 February 1891 in Hendon one of the eleven children of Philip Kenchatt (1855-1935) and Phoebe Ann Kenchatt née Reading (1858-1930). His father had several occupations including that of a coachman in domestic service, a general labourer, a milk carrier and London County Council's park under-keeper whilst his mother was a laundress.
He was baptised, together with his brother Charles Reading Kenchatt (1887-1914) and sister Charlotte Harriet Kenchatt (1892-1892) on 12 February 1891 at Christ Church, Hampstead and the baptismal register shows the family living at 3 Golders Hill Terrace, North End, Hampstead. This address is confirmed in the 1891 census that shows him living in three rooms with his parents and two of his siblings: Philip John Kenchatt (1886-1968) & Charles Reading Kenchatt, together with a female domestic servant.
The 1901 census shows him living in three rooms at 3 Castle Cottages, Childs Hill, with his parents and four of his siblings: Philip John Kenchatt, Charles Reading Kenchatt, Francis Kenchatt (1894-1928) and Nellie May Kenchatt (1899-1982). He was later employed at both Hendon Golf Club and Langton Lodge, Parson Street, Hendon.
Both he and his younger brother, Francis Kenchatt enlisted together in the Rifle Brigade and were placed in the 7th Battalion. His service number was B/1667 (his brother's was B/1669) and they both entered France on 15 March 1915. Wounded at Hooge, Belguim on 30 July 1915 by the Germans use of flamethrowers he returned to the front in January 1916. Transferred to the 1st Battalion, he was attached to 'A' Company and was killed in action, aged 25 years, on 1 July 1916. He was buried in Plot 1, Row D, Grave 75 in the Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France.
On 28 October 1916 his army effects totalling £6-14s-2d were sent to his mother who was by now residing at 9 Albert Cottages, Golders Green Road, Golders Green and on 28 September 1919 she was sent his £8-10s-0d war gratuity. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal 1914-1918 and the Victory Medal. He is also commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's website.
Resident of Golders Green killed serving in WW1.
Harold Kenchatt was his cousin.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
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