PRATT, ERNEST ST GEORGE, Brevet
Major, was born 3 September 1863, youngest son of Spencer Pratt, of Stanwick
House, Higham Ferrers. He was gazetted to the Durham Light Infantry 23
August 1884; was Adjutant, Durham Light Infantry, 19 November 1892 to 18
November 1896, and became Captain 11 April 1894. Captain Pratt served in
the South African War, 1899-1902, as Special Service Officer, and afterwards
on the Staff, and in command of the Mounted Infantry Battalion. He
took part in the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso;
operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of
5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; during operations on Tugela
Heights (14 to 27 February 1900) and action at Pieter's Hill; in Natal,
March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); in
command of the 13th Battalion Mounted Infantry from 7 November 1900 to 31
May 1902; in the Transvaal, December 1900 to July 1901, and November 1901 to
31 May 1902; in Orange River Colony, July to November 1901, and May 1902;
during the operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and
October 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches (Sir R H Buller, 30 March and
9 November 1900) [London Gazette, 8 February 1901, and 29 July 1902];
received the Brevet of Major 29 November 1900; the Queen's Medal with six
clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. He was created a Companion of
the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "Ernest
St George Pratt, Captain and Brevet Major, Durham Light Infantry. In
recognition of services during the South African War". He was DAAG for
Musketry, Eastern District, 2 February 1903 to 31 May 1905, and 1 June 1905
to 31 May 1908; was promoted to Major 7 May 1903; was GSO2, Lowland
Division, Scottish Command, 1 April 1908 to 17 October 1909. He was given
the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 23 July 1910, and became Lieutenant Colonel
15 August 1910; was Assistant Director, War Office, 28 July 1913 to 20 July
1915; became Colonel 16 December 1913. During the European War he commanded
a brigade from 21 July 1915. He became Inspector of Infantry, and was
created a CB in 1916. Brigadier General E St G Pratt died 24 November
1918. He had married, in 1902, Edith, daughter of Captain H P Andrew, 8th
Hussars, and they had one daughter, Kathleen Marion.
