The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Pratt
- First Name:
- Robert William
- Nick Name:
- Bob
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX87O5
- Company:
- ‘D’ Company, 13 Platoon
- Enlisted:
- 23.10.1940
- DOB:
- 10.08.1918
- Place of Birth:
- Gloucester, England
- Father's Name:
- Robert William Pratt
- Mothers's Name:
- Edith Pratt (nee Hopson)
- Religion:
- Church of England
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Bogger
- Memorial:
- Epitaph, Singapore Memorial, Column 136, Age 23.
- Cause of Death:
- Killed in artillery barrage
- Place of Death:
- North Lim Chu Kang Road
- Date of Death:
- 8.02.1942
General Description
Bob Pratt, aged 23 years was killed by the same bomb that wounded Joe Pearce and Bill Paterson at No. 13 Platoon position at North Lim Chu Kang Road on the west coast of Singapore 8th February 1942 – the first Japanese landing at Singapore. The machine gun crew had earlier been closer to then beach but decided about midday to retreat to a trench. Joe Pearce was buried up to his waist, Bob was killed instantly and Bill Paterson was severely wounded (shattered right elbow, injuries to his face and shoulder which required plastic surgery. He was hospitalised for 8 months at Changi. His arm was no longer flexible.) Bill went with ‘F’ Force to work on Burma -Thai Railway and died July 1943.
Bob enlisted Oct 1940 and later joined ‘D’ Company’s No. 13 Platoon.
Further reading go to D Company
Bob Pratt departed London with his family as a 7 year old on 12 January 1926 onboard ‘Esperance Bay’. His father William Robert was 45 years old, recorded his occupation as gardener. Their children included Edith, Linda, Robert and Beryl. They also had another son, Jonathon known as Johnnie born in 1906.
The Pratt family learn of Bob’s tragic death in February 1942. Most families did not learn of their son’s deaths until after the war.
Kings Park Honour Avenue.
During the 1930’s the Pratt family are residing at Higginsville and later at Norseman.
Below: The Pratt family’s mining interests.
Bob and his sisters were keen sporting persons.
In September 1936, tragedy hits the Pratt family. Johnnie aged 28 years in killed in a mining accident. Johnnie Pratt’s death was one of many mining deaths and injuries recorded in the Goldfields.
Above: Beryl Pratt
Above Linda and Beryl Pratt are active in community sports.
In June 1954, William Robert Pratt aged 75 died at Norseman.
