Charles Reginald Spratt
Biography
Charles Reginald Spratt was born on December 17th 1898 at 52 London Avenue, North End, Portsmouth but was not baptised until July 24th 1910 at St. Matthew’s Church. By the beginning of 1910 there were five children in the family, William Horace (15), Harry Frederick (6), Richard George (4), Minnie Emma (1) as well as Charles. William had already left home and was with the Royal Artillery at Woolwich.
The children’s father William Edward Spratt was a boiler maker in His Majesty’s Dockyard, Portsmouth earning thirty eight shillings (£1.90) per week. On March 31st 1910, at the age of 45, William Edward died of a cancerous brain tumour.
The children’s mother Maude Kate, 36, was forced to a cheaper house, 79 Lawrence Road, Southsea where the rent was only four shillings (20p) per week. She sought alternative accommodation for Charles. Both she and her deceased husband had two brothers but although they all had respectable positions in society there is no evidence that they were willing to help Maude Kate.
The children were well brought up and apart from childhood illnesses were in good health. Charles had attended Stamshaw Council School for the previous eight years prior to 1910 and was now at Francis Avenue Council School.
By now the mother Maude Kate was desperate and short of money so Charles was accepted as a free case for a Waifs and Strays Home with Harry on the waiting list. On November 8th 1910 Charles went to the Islington Home and 16 days later he transferred to St. Mark’s.
Maud Kate remarried in 1912, to Keith James, and eventually she moved away from Portsmouth. However on the 9th April 1914 Charles returned to his mother at 91 Doulton Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. Charles wished to enter the Dockyard as an apprentice and sat an examination on the 14th and 15th of April. He is believed to have done well but there would be no declaration of possible employment until August of that year. In the meantime Charles was able to work at the Dockyard printers for five shillings (25p) per week. Mr. Ismay Barnes from St. Mark’s Home had said of Charles that he had character and ability, it was a pleasure for others to work with him and there were great expectations for his future.
Service Record
Charles joined the army as 32671 Private C R Spratt of the 9th Battalion the South Staffordshire Regiment.
How They Died
Charles died on the 1st December 1918 aged 19, from disease, a few days short of his twentieth birthday.
Where They Rest
He is buried in grave 7, row B, plot 3 at the Giavera British Cemetery, Arcade, Northern Italy.
The Authorities in Portsmouth have confirmed that he was not included on any of their War Memorials probably because the family had moved away. They did comment that it was wonderful he had spent a few short years in a beautiful part of the country. His name is now on the Natland War Memorial.