| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | 3DRL/2153 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 1 item |
| Object type | Letter |
| Maker |
Delpratt, Maurice George |
| Date made | 1915-1918 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM315 419/026/004 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Delpratt, Maurice George (Sergeant, b.1888 - d.1957)
Description
Relates to the First World War service of 636 Sergeant Maurice George Delpratt 5 Light Horse and POW. Letters written home from Gallipoli and while a prisoner of war in Turkey.
History / Summary
636 Private Maurice George Delpratt, was a 27 year old Overseer from Tambourine, Queensland, when he enlisted on 15 November 1914. His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A34 Persic on 21 December 1914.
Delpratt was taken prisoner in the attack on the Turkish-held Balkan Gun Pits, Anzac, 28th June 1915. 'The prisoner, Sgt. M.G. Delpratt... had been sent by Col. Harris with an urgent message bidding Midgley to retire, but missed the troops, whom Midgley had already withdrawn, and on reaching the Balkan Pits found them empty. He was there seen by the Australian machine-gunners, who mistook him for one of the enemy, and by their fire cut off his retreat. While he was in this position two Turks and a German sergeant crept to the pit from the other direction and captured him". (Bean V2 p299n).
For the rest of the war Delpratt was interned as a POW, for the most part in Hadjikiri. Following liberation, Delpratt returned to Australia, 3 July 1919.