| Pratt | Mervyn | | Captain | PRATT, MERVYN, Captain, was born 24 April 1873, son of Joseph Pratt, JP, DL, and Madeline Charlotte, only daughter of James Hamilton, of Cornacassa, Monaghan. He was educated at Harrow, and entered the King's Royal Rifle Corps 26 June 1895; became Lieutenant, KRRC, 14 June 1898, and Captain 24 September 1901. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was present at 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; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 27 February 1900, and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June) (severely wounded); operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902; operations in Orange River Colony, 1901-2. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June 1902]: "Mervyn Pratt, Captain, King's Royal Rifle Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 15 January 1903. Captain Pratt retired 5 August 1910; became Temporary Major, KRRC, in 1914, and was promoted to Major, Reserve of Officers, 4 May 1916.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
