COMPLETED - Alexander Stewart Pratt - Black Watch - Malta

[Jamjar]

I have Alexander Stewart Pratt who was a Garrison Sergeant Major at St Francis (?) Floriana, at the time of his last child's birth, in 1897.

He married Margaret Watt in 1886, in Malta.

I have been able to find the births of the nine children on SP. What I need to find now is a death for Alexander. This isn't showing on SP.

Would it be possible that he retired in Malta and his death not recorded in British records?

Were the military stationed overseas not included on census returns, as I can't find the family recorded?

The Sergeant Major was Alexander Stewart Pratt - born 18 Dec 1863 at Monifieth, Angus -  and his parents were Alexander Pratt and Janet Kay. He was raised in Cupar.

Link to my other posting: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,464392.0.html

Jamjar

[km1971]

What is SP?

The army overseas was not included in the 1901 census. They would be in the local census, but most overseas colonies destroyed their census after analysing it. They were included in 1911. But most men were recorded merely as their initials. So it is better to look for his family as they are recorded in full.

You could also try the regimental/overseas BMDs on sites such as Findmypast. Do you have an upper limit to his death - say from a marriage certificate from one of his children?

The Black Watch/Royal Highlanders were not in Malta in 1897, so he may have been discharged from them, before getting the garrison posting. Have you looked in the service records on Findmypast?

Was Margaret Watt a widow? If so her first husband may have been another soldier. It was very common for soldier's widows to re-marry very quickly. Otherwise it was a free passage home to the workhouse, as widow's pensions for Other Ranks were not introduced until the early 1900s.

Ken

[Jamjar]

Thanks for the information, Ken.

SP is ScotlandsPeople

I don't have a subscription for Findmypast, nor do I have access to the 1911 census.

No, I have not been able to find any certificates for the children, other than their births.

Jamjar

[Jamjar]

I now have them on the 1911 census.

Just wish I could discover if they returned to the UK.

I can't locate the military record on Findmypast. Is this unusual?

jamjar

[Jamjar]

Things are looking up, a little.

I now have two daughter's marriages.

On the second in 1921, Alexander is deceased.  He is an army officer in 1913.

Where would I look to see if he took part in WW1?

He isn't listed in any of the online cemetery list for Malta.

http://website.lineone.net/~stephaniebidmead/other%20sites.htm

[alf]

Thomas Alexander PRATT. Born 1888 in Malta, to Margaret nee Watt and Garrison Sergeant-Major Alexander Pratt, residing at St Francis, Floriana, Malta.
Died 7th September 1890 aged 13 months.

His father died in Malta 19 March 1921. His mother died 12 May 1957 aged 91 years at Hollington, Sussex

At rest in Ta,Braxia Cemetery, Malta.

Also, in living memory of their second son, 2nd Lieutenant A.S. Pratt. 10th Scottish Rifles aged 22 years. Killed in action in France 24 March 1917 while leading his men most gallantly.

Their second son -

Alexander Stewart PRATT. 2nd Lieutenant 12th attached 10th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Born 1895 in Malta. Resided at 107 Highbury New Park, Middlesex. Killed in action 24 March 1917 aged 22 years.
Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

1911 he was a boarder aged 16 born in Malta residing at 76 Petherton Road, Highbury N. Occupation probationer telegraphic with Eastern Telegraph Company

London Gazette dated 15 November 1915 -
The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants. Dated 8th November 1915: The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
Alexander Stewart Pratt to be temporary Second) Lieutenant. Dated 11 November 1915.

Some notes on their father Garrison Sergeant Major Alexander Pratt -
Alexander Stewart (Stuart) PRATT. Born 18 Dec 1863 at Fort St, Broughly Ferry, Monifieth Scotland, to Alexander Pratt and Janet Kay, husband of Margaret Watt who he married in Malta. Enlisted 56th Brigade 4 Aug 1880, transferred to 1st Battalion, The Black Watch 1 Aug 1881. Promoted Corporal 26 June 1883; Lance Sergeant 10 Aug 1884. Sergeant 14 August 1884. Colour Sergeant 7 Mar 1888. Garrison Sergeant Major at Malta 1 April 1890. Promoted Quartermaster, 2nd Royal Malta Regiment of Militia 6 July 1898. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, date not known. Secretary of the Malta Union Club.
Died 19th March 1921 aged 57 years at his residence with his wife at 57 Windsor Terrace, Sliema, Malta. Resting place unknown.

[Jamjar]

Thank you for that excellent information Alf.

Are you related?

Jamjar