LAURENCE CHARLES PRATT
THE LATE Mr. LAWRENCE PRATT
The death occurred quite suddenly on Saturday evening at Ealing, London, of Mr. Lawrence Charles Pratt, at the age of 23. Deceased was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Pratt, of Cheap-street, and before being admitted to Christ's Hospital, was a chorister at the Parish Church.
Upon leaving school he secured an appointment at the War Office, but in 1916, though only eighteen years of age, joined the Army, enlisting in the Civil Service Rifles. Proceeding to France the following year he took an active share until the Armistice was signed, on one occasion being gassed. Demobilised early in 1919, he returned to his duties at the War Office.
On Saturday evening he left his lodgings at Ealing apparently in good health, but was seized with hemorrhage (sic) in the street, and with assistance was taken to a doctor, but he collapsed before receiving medical attention.
At the inquest on Tuesday morning death was medically attributed to natural causes, the doctor expressing the opinion that it was accelerated through deceased being gassed during the war.
The body was brought to Newbury by motor hearse yesterday (Wednesday), and the interment took place at the Old Cemetery, the Rector (Rev. L.R. Majendie) officiating. The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Pratt (father and mother), Mr. Harry Pratt (brother), Miss Kathleen Pratt (sister), Mr. Henry Clarke, Stockcross (uncle), the Misses Pratt (aunts), Mr. P. Parker (friend) and Mr. Arthur and Mr. Pottifer, representatives from the department of the War Office, in which the deceased was employed.
A large number of wreaths were sent, including one from the Guildhall Club, and one from his colleagues at the War Office.
Newbury Weekly News 2nd November, 1921
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