The following details for the Inniskillings are provided by Copeland-Trimble and Joseph's service is drawn from musters and paybooks (National Archives).

In November 1801 the Inniskillings formed part of the garrison of Malta. Private Joseph Ratcliff, serving in Capt. Moncrieffe Willoughby's Company, had been part of the advanced party in October 1801, stationed in Citta Vecchia (Old City), which is situated on the highest part of the island and nearly at its centre. Joseph's pay at this time was 6d per day, presumably because his rations were provided.

Immediately after the Treaty of Amiens, which was signed in March 1802, the 2nd Battalion was reduced. The establishment of the 1st Battalion was increased to 1200 men, but the number of officers was reduced and the twelve junior lieutenants were placed on half pay. Two hundred supernumeraries were permitted to be kept on the strength of the regiment when the two battalions were consolidated.

La Valetta c1803 by Francis Chesham after an original by Captain James Weir

Valletta c1800 from the Ghargur Battery of the British garrison on Malta

In May 1802 Joseph transferred to Lieut. Colonel Samuel Graham's Company and was stationed in Valetta, now receiving 1s per day. Later in that year he transferred to Brevet Colonel Frederick Maitland's Company. Maitland was posted to the West Indies in January 1803 and Joseph served the remainder of his time in a company without a commander, once again on pay reduced to 6d per day. War resumed with France on 18th May 1803 in part due to Britain's refusal to return Malta to the Knights of Malta as required by the Treaty of Amiens.

Joseph, now in his early 40s, was sent to the army depot in December 1803 and discharged.