The AIF Project

Percy PRATT

Regimental number12369
Place of birthSouthampton England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationStation hand
Addressc/o De Lacy Evans, Garfield, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinFather, William James Pratt, 1 Highfield Road, Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire, England
Enlistment date15 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameField Ambulance 10
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/53/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll10th Field Ambulance
FateReturned to Australia 5 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 16th July, 1917, north east of MESSINES at 8.30 a.m. at an Advanced Regimental Aid Post, Lance Corporal PRATT was conspicuous for gallantry and coolness under fire. A dug out two hundred yards forward having been destroyed by heavy shell fire, Corporal HAPGOOD of the 9th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, sought the Aid Post for assistance. Lance Corporal PRATT accompanied by Private Norman THRELFALL of the 10th Australian Field Ambulance went forward with Corporal HAPGOOD under very heavy shell fire from five nines (5.9), bandaged and rendered first aid to three severely wounded men, directing their removal to the Dressing Station. Lance Corporal PRATT remained under the intense fire and assisted in carrying out the last man. This N.C.O. had previously shown devotion to the wounded under fire on the night of 26th/27th February, 1917, during a raid at HOUPLINES and also had done fine work on previous occasions at WILLOW WALK - ARMENTIERES.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'On 12th October 1917 in front of PASSCHENDALE RIDGE Lance Corporal PRATT was at a relay post at Zonnebeke Railway in charge of a stretcher squad. He was conspicuous for his gallantry, and by his total disregard of personal danger set a splendid example to the bearers. He repeatedly led his men over shell-torn ground, floundering through mud whilst carrying wounded men to the next relay post. On the 13th October he went forward to BERLIN WOOD whilst this area was being persistently shelled, and carried wounded to OTTO HOUSE. After Sergeant CROOK was killed on the evening of the 13th Lance Corporal PRATT returned to BERLIN WOOD and succeeded under heavy shell fire, in spite of the darkness, in bringing out a wounded man to the relay post. Lance Corporal PRATT, although worn out with fatigue, persisted in carrying on until the last wounded were removed. Throughout the whole operation this N.C.O. showed characteristic, unswerving devotion to duty, and disregard of all personal consideration in his efforts to alleviate and succour the wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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