First World War soldier Private Edward Henry Pratt, of the 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, was discharged from the Army May 1918 unfit for further service due to the wounds he had suffered. Sadly he died in Greenbank Hospital, Darlington 15th September 1918. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Darlington West Cemetery and lay forgotten and undiscovered until research by Aycliffe Village Local History Society in February 2014 traced not only his grave but living relatives.
The Society presented its evidence to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and after months of deliberation they finally agreed that he qualified for an official headstone. This was put in place on 2nd July 2015.
The Society has organised a Dedication Service to be held at 11.15 am on Wednesday 2nd September 2015 at the graveside in Darlington West Cemetery, followed by a reception at Aycliffe Village Hall for invited guests.
Attending will be family members together with, Jenny Chapman MP, The Worshipful The Mayor & Mayoress of Darlington; The Mayor & Consort, and the Leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council with Councillors, J P Hillary and C Wheeler. Members of Aycliffe Village Local History Society, Mr Chris Lloyd, Deputy editor of The Northern Echo, Mr Steve Dixon of Commonwealth War Graves Commission; and the military will be represented by The Durham Light Infantry Association, The Rifles and Members of The Royal British Legion, Darlington & Newton Aycliffe Branches. Standard bearers and a Bugler will be present. The service will be led by the Reverend Kenneth Crawford, Durham Light Infantry Association Chaplain in conjunction with the Reverend Christopher Pearson, Team Rector, Great Aycliffe Parish.
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