Rushden Research Group: Pratt, Eric Douglas DFM

Rushden Echo & Argus 09 Jun 1944

Eric Douglas Pratt - DFM

Eric Douglas Pratt - awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal

D.F.M. for Rushden Air-Gunner
Ex-A.T.C. Boy's Skill and Fortitude

When Mr. and Mrs. P. C. H. Pratt, of 5, Westfield-place, Rushden, were visited by an "Echo and Argus" reporter on Tuesday morning, they were greatly surprised and delighted to learn from her that their elder son, Flight Sergeant. Eric Douglas Pratt, R.A.P.V.R., had gained the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.The award was made "in recognition of many successful operations against the enemy in which he displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty".

Earlier in the morning, the family had had yet another piece of good news, for the younger son, Brian, who attends the Alfred-street School, had been home to announce that he had won a County Scholarship.

Flight Sergeant Pratt, who was born at Wellingborough, is 21 years of age, and has been in the R.A.F. since October, 1941. He was a mid-upper gunner in a Lancaster, but since the completion of his 25th "op" a few weeks back he has been instructing. He worked for Messrs. B. Denton and Son, boot manufacturers, before call-up, and was a member of the A.T.C. As a boy he was educated at the Intermediate School. His sister, Joan, is a Staff Sergeant in the A.T.S.

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 18^th May, 1945, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Honeymoon Visit to Palace
Rushden Airman Receives the D.F.M.

In attendance at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday were a Rushden airman, Warrant Officer Eric Douglas Pratt, and his wife. They were married at Bridlington on May 5^th, and they paid this honeymoon visit to London for W/O Pratt to receive the D.F.M. from the King.

W/O Pratt is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. H. Pratt, of 5, Westfield-place, Rushden, and his marriage to Miss Audrey Berkley, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Berkley, of 22, St. John’s-walk, Bridlington, took place at the Priory Church.

Wearing a dress of white satin and lace net, with veil and coronet of orange blossom, the bride was given away by her father. Her bouquet was of pink roses and fern.

In attendance as bridesmaids were Miss Doreen Berkley (sister of the bride), who wore a lemon and amber dress, and Miss Jean Cornell (friend of the bride), attired in pink satin. Both carried bouquets of pink roses and fern.

Mr. Kenneth Berkley (brother of the bride) was best man, and Canon J. W. Lamb (Rector) conducted the ceremony.

A reception was held at the home of the bride.

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