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Edwin Oliver PRATT

Edwin Oliver PRATT

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  1812

Rank

Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations

Manly? Penrith ( 1940’s ), Katoomba – death

Service:

From 14 May 1924  to 19 November 1948 = 24+ years Service

Awards:

No find on It’s An Honour

Born:

Junee Junction, District of Narrandera, 8 March 1904

Event date

1 October 1948

Event location

Mountain Road (Great Western Highway) Katoomba, NSW

Died on

19 November 1948

Cause

Motor Vehicle Accident.

Hit by a timber jinker while directing traffic at a railway crossing.

(Timber jinker is a trailer designed to carry timber towed behind a truck)

Age:  44

Funeral date

20 November 1948

Buried

Katoomba Cemetery

Cemetery Rd, Katoomba, NSW.

Section KCE3 Row R1, Plot 2

His son, Ian Stephen PRATT ( son ) died on 7 July 1949, aged 4 years and is buried with his father.

Alma Charlotte PRATT ( wife ) died on 26 February 1959, aged 49, and is buried in the same plot also.

Memorial location:

EDWIN PRATT

 

 

Senior Constable Neville Higgs, Detective Constable Terry Dudeney, Sergeant Edwin Pratt & ?.

Left to right.

Senior Constable Neville Higgs, Detective Constable Terry Dudeney, Sergeant Edwin Pratt & ?.

The three Police Officers were involved in numerous rescues/incidents in the Blue Mountains.

Photo taken outside Sinclair Motor Garage, Katoomba (unknown date)

 

 

Sgt Edwin Pratt from 1930 holding the grandmother of Leanne Bailey ( 2013 )
Sgt Edwin Pratt from 1930 holding the grandmother of Leanne Bailey ( 2013 )

 

Constable 1st Class Edwin Oliver PRATT
Constable 1st Class Edwin Oliver PRATT

 

70 years AFTER Sgt Pratt was Killed On Duty and this is his Unmarked grave at Katoomba Cemetery ( 2015 )
70 years AFTER Sgt Pratt was Killed On Duty and this is his Unmarked grave at Katoomba Cemetery ( 2015 )  ( The Anderson grave is there as a reference point only ) Click photo to enlarge

 

 

In early 2017, thanks to the efforts of Ian COLLESS, NSWPF, Edwin's grave went from an unmarked grave to having an appropriate headstone placed at the spot that Edwin, his wife and son now, forever, Rest In Peace.
In early 2017, thanks to the efforts of Ian COLLESS, NSWPF, Edwin’s grave went from an unmarked grave to having an appropriate headstone placed at the spot that Edwin, his wife and son now, forever, Rest In Peace.

In loving memory of Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver PRATT NSW Police Force 8.3.1904 - 19.11.1948 Died as a result of injuries received on duty. Loving husband and father. Alma Charlotte PRATT 26.4.1909 - 26.2.1959 Loving wife and mother. Ian Stephen PRATT 27.6.1946 - 7.7.1949. Loved son and brother. Rest In Peace

Eucser Haze?Beyond Courage<br /> 24 August 2017 ·<br /> Just one more update on Sgt Pratt's grave with a NSW Police crest added to the marker. My thanks to John McDiarmid and NSWPF Protocol for their assistance.<br /> Olwyn Danny Ken for your information.
Eucser Haze    –    Beyond Courage
24 August 2017 ·
Just one more update on Sgt Pratt’s grave with a NSW Police crest added to the marker. My thanks to John McDiarmid and NSWPF Protocol for their assistance.
Olwyn Danny Ken for your information.

[alert_green]EDWIN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

 

On the night of 1 October, 1948 Sergeant Pratt was directing traffic at a railway crossing at Katoomba. About 8.50pm a truck passed over the crossing and as it passed the sergeant attempted to walk behind it, not realising it was towing a timber jinker. Unfortunately the sergeant was hit by the jinker which inflicted severe injuries. He died on 19 November, 1948. He was survived by his wife Alma, sons Kevin and Ian, and daughter Olwyn.

 

 

The sergeant was born in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 May, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Katoomba.

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On Thursday, 10 August 2017, the son-in-law – Retired Sgt 3rd Class Scott EDMONDS – married to Edwins daughter – Olwyn, passed away and was married to Olwyn for 51 years at the time.

 

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The death of Edwin has been widely circulated as having occurred on the 19 October 1948 which is INCORRECT and as of 30 October 2013, steps have been taken to have the correct date of 19 November 1948 recorded on all official touchstones and publications.

As of 14 October 2016, having checked the online website of the National Police Memorial, the data on the website HAS been changed to reflect the correct date of death as NOVEMBER BUT, unfortunately, the actual Touch Plate has NOT been altered and still displays ( as of Police Remembrance Day 2016 ) the incorrect date.

Unfortunately, the NSW Police Protocol Unit have done nothing to alter the Official website of http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/proud_traditions where the INCORRECT date is still reflected.  I have, this date, sent a message to the Webmaster for NSWPF to action the website.

As of 9 March 2017 – I have never received a response to the message I sent to the Webmaster

The protocol Unit is located at:
NSW Police Protocol Unit
Level 6/ 151-241 Goulburn St (Riley St)
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Australia
02 9285 3835

 

Would have been nice if NSW Police Protocol Unit had let others know that they had actioned the matter in relation to the National Wall but I have now found out ( Friday 14 October 2016 ), that the actual Touch Plate on the National Wall of Remembrance has NOT been changed to reflect the correct date.

National Wall of Remembrance - Canberra Sergeant Third Class Edwin Oliver PRATT Katoomba New South Wales 19 October 1948 " October " is incorrect. Correct month should show "November "
National Wall of Remembrance – Canberra Sergeant Third Class Edwin Oliver PRATT Katoomba New South Wales 19 October 1948 ” October ” is incorrect. Correct month should show “November

 

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BDM – Birth = 14621/1904   to Charles P. & Caroline A. Pratt at Narrandera.

BDM – Marriage = 10147/1934  to Alma C. NEVILLE in Sydney

BDM – Death = 29635/1948.     Charles Pacey PRATT & Caroline Ann PRATT.

 

 

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/79692879?searchTerm=sergeant%20pratt&searchLimits=

Sgt Edwin PRATT - Katoomba Police, NSW - Broken leg - 1948
Sgt Edwin PRATT – Katoomba Police, NSW – Broken leg – 1948    The Daily News ( Perth, W.A. )  Saturday 2 October 1948  page 6 of 25

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/117911405?searchTerm=sergeant%20pratt&searchLimits=l-decade=194

 Sgt Edwin Pratt - Nepean Times ( Penrith NSW ) Thursday 25 November 1946 page 1 of 10

Sgt Edwin Pratt – Nepean Times ( Penrith NSW ) Thursday 25 November 1948 page 1 of 10

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/18095887?searchTerm=sergeant%20pratt&searchLimits=l-decade=194

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 20 November 1948 page 32 of 32
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday 20 November 1948
page 32 of 32

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17940647?searchTerm=sergeant%20pratt&searchLimits=l-decade=194

Sydney Morning Herald Monday 21 May 1945 page 3 of 10
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 21 May 1945
page 3 of 10

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/18121770?searchTerm=sergeant%20pratt&searchLimits=l-decade=194

Sydney Morning Herald Friday 8 July 1949 page 16 of 20
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday 8 July 1949
page 16 of 20

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Death Certificate of Edwin Oliver PRATT
Death Certificate of Edwin Oliver PRATT

 Edwin is buried at Katoomba Cemetery. Cemetery Rd, Katoomba, NSW.

Section KCE3 Row R1, Plot 2

His son, Ian Stephen PRATT died on 7 July 1949, aged 4 years and is buried with his father.

Alma Charlotte PRATT ( wife of Edwin ) died on 26 February 1959, aged 49, and is buried in the same plot also.

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Today I remember all those that have gone before us, regardless of how they died or whether their name is recorded on a wall, or monument, or not.

I specifically spare a thought for those that lay in unmarked graves throughout the state-we shouldn’t permit this to happen or continue. For that very reason a special thought for Sgt 3rd Class Pratt killed in 1948 whose grave is pictured below.

https://dev.australianpolice.com.au/edwin-oliver-pratt/

Let those who drink from the well not forget those that dug it

Glen Kins As you say this should not be allowed to happen.
Keith Smith Lest we forget.
Olwyn Pratt Edmonds That tiny cross was placed there by his granddaughter Stephanie and her children during the last school holidays.,I have not been there since I was a child as I didn’t know where to find it till recent years. I went there as a teenager looking for a headstone, but as we now know , there wasn’t one to find. Only in recent years was I able to find the location.
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About unmarked police graves. I have been waiting for about 4 years for the Police Department to erect a headstone for my father Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver Pratt. Promises promises. Last time I heard months ago that they were in the process of getting quote from stone mason for a full grave marker., but nothing since. The officer in charge is a very busy man indeed, so I do try to understand the delay. Would like to see it done in my lifetime.

feeling sad.

Comments
Greg Callander Did you check the PM that another member sent to you recently. It should be in your Others folder under messages about money towards the gravestone.

Eucser Haze Olwyn, I’d like to try and help getting your fathers grave appropriately marked. If you’d like some help, my email is coll2ian@gmail.com

I’m the person that Greg is referring to that sent you a message

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Got the letter from Bathurst Council today approving use of Sulman Park and fees waived.

Robbo has collected some prizes from local businesses for raffles etc.

Robbo, Marita and I also met an interesting character at Sofala today – Robbo has a new bff.  Ask him about it on the 30th.

See More

Comments
Danny Webster I hope to be there!
Eucser Haze Be good to catch up Danny
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Olwyn Pratt Edmonds

September 29 at 6:29am ·

Remembering father Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver Pratt on Police Remembrance Day.

Comments
Susanne Pearson Loving thoughts are with you Olwyn ♡
Eucser Haze Hello Olwyn I’ve replied to your email, if you want to send me number I’d like to give you a call
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On this day 67years ago my father Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver Pratt passed away after being injured in a motor vehicle accident on the railway crossing in Katoomba 6 weeks earlier.R.I.P

Comments
Rhonda Turner injured on police duty and aged just 44 when he died….. so sad for you then and now, Olwyn
Susanne Pearson My thoughts & love are with you Olwyn. Love Suz. xx
Jill Burgess That’s so sad 🙁 I’m sorry of your loss xx
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Comments

Rod Pratt Thanks for going to the trouble of putting this on the page. I have been asked a lot if Sgt. Ed Pratt was related to me, and to be honest, I didn’t know. My dad was from Junee, and died when I was young, so I never really got the chance to find out a lot about him. When I saw the death certificate, and the fact that Ed Pratt was also from Junee, I went digging into state records and found that he was my fathers cousin. We have a lot of links with NSWPF, but mostly on my mothers side, and it was great to discover this new link. Police Remembrance Day has always been a big issue with me, due to the mates I have lost in the job, this is an even stronger link. Cheers Greg

Greg Callander That is cool Rod Pratt. I was contacted, a year or two ago, by Olwyn Pratt ( https://www.facebook.com/olwyn.prattedmonds?fref=ts ) who is the daughter of Ed. I would assume that she will have more information on Ed and, maybe, your father. It is certainly worth contacting her. Olwyn isn’t a member of this particular FB Group but is a member of NSW Fallen Police FB Group. I tried to ‘tag’ her to this message but, because she isn’t on this page, wasn’t able to.

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Comments

Jim Mitchell How the memories flood back. Dad attended the accident and that year I was in 4th class at Katoomba Primary with Sgt Pratt‘s son Kevin.
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We love looking back on photos of the Police in a bygone era, check this amazing photo out of Sgt Edwin Pratt from 1930.

13 Comments
Comments
Memories of Penrith and surrounding suburbsLeanne Bailey posted this picture and this is her Grandmother being held wearing a miniature police uniform, brilliant photo!
Brad NielsoAnd to think now thay let them in as small as that Kid. 🙂
Liz RenshawAnymore info Leanne or anyone? A great picture .
Kevin Anderson The old style photoshop didnt work too good back then lol

Leanne Bailey Yes SGT. Pratt was killed while on duty: 19 Oct 1948

Sgt 3/C Edwin Pratt – struck by a motor vehicle whilst on point duty http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/proud_traditions

The Honour Roll commemorates those members of the New South Wales Police Force who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the execution of their duty.
police.nsw.gov.au
Leanne Bailey This happened at Katoomba. The only other story I know was that he had about 12 children, and sometimes would have a few of them balanced all over his bicycle in the afternoon, taking them for a ride down High street and to the river for a swim.
Jim Baldwin Samantha Jayne, in your family tree perhaps?
Kathy Davis Isn’t that great a perfect picture
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6 Comments

  1. Correction. The group of children was my Gran and Cousins, story relayed by her. Sorry Olwyn, I thought I had corrected this post.

  2. The comment by Leanne Bailey makes it look like my father had 12 children which he didn’t.,and could anyone realistically carry 12 kids on a bicycle or even a motor bike and side car.???? I know this is an old post, but it is just plain silly.

  3. According to Truth Newspaper 29.05.1932 Everyone in Manly knows Pratt, capable protector of the public rights and property. Only Boy Charlton is known better. (This was just before he was transferred to Penrith.)

  4. He was my grandfather never met him died 12 years before I was born but know the great effect it had on my dad and aunt. A memorial coming non to soon

  5. Please correct your information on my father Edwin Oliver Pratt. He died on November 19th 1948 and my name is Olwyn not Alwyn. Otherwise, glad that he is not forgotten after 65 years even though he was buried in an unmarked grave, but this is to be rectified in the coming year. Olwyn Edmonds nee Pratt daughter

    1. Hello Olwyn,
      I have just checked the information about your father and all of the information at hand ( apart from yours ) is that Edwin was hit by the trailer on the 1 October and died 18 days later, on the 19 October.

      Is there anyway in which you could possibly check your own information? Death certificate etc? The National Police Remembrance Wall, the NSW Police Remembrance Wall and all Honour Rolls, have Edwin as having died on the 19 October also.

      I searched Births, Deaths and Marriages but that doesn’t give me the exact date, only that his father was Charles Pacey and mother was Caroline Ann.

      If the dates that the Police have displayed are incorrect, then there will be a great deal of work to be done to have all the dates altered.

      I am currently searching the Trove which has an article on him – which I will include in the tribute on this page.

      If you have any photos of Edwin, I would also love to post them up also.

      Looking forward to hearing from you.

      regards

      Greg Callander
      Site Owner
      Retired Senior Constable
      NSWPF
      1975 – 2004

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