Major Geoffrey Theodore Garratt MBE[1] (1888 – 28 April 1942) was a British farmer, journalist and political activist.
During World War I he was commissioned into the Indian Army Reserve of Officers in 1915, and from 1916 was on active service with the 21st Cavalry, taking part in the Mesopotamian campaign.
[2][3] After the end of the war, Garratt returned to the civil service, but he resigned in 1922, unhappy about the amount of money being spent on prestigious projects while poverty was widespread in the country.
The award of his MBE appeared in the London Gazette 14th April 1942 under the following heading: The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner: — To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:— Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Geoffrey Theodore Garrart (135713), Pioneer Corps (Teignmouth, Devon).
The citation for the award (extracted from file WO 373/67/319 held at the National Archives) reads: “On the 5th November 1941, an officer of the Pioneer Corps was accidentally killed whilst searching for unmarked mines in a minefield.