Frank William Pratt
Sir Frank William Pratt (1891-17 May 1948) was an English-South African mechanical engineer. He was the co-founder and joint managing director of Messrs. Air Pumps, Ltd. He is most notable for his efforts during the Second World War where his air pumps were used for a wide range of military applications. In recognition of his actions he was awarded a KBE shortly before his death.
Early life
Sir Frank William Pratt spent his early years in Portland, England. His Father, Thomas Pratt, was a successful Engineer and in 1899, shortly after the beginnings of the Second Boer War, the family moved to Simon's Town, South Africa. Thomas Pratt took part in the planning and design of the harbour in Simon’s Town; however, he was killed soon after he took up position in a Prisoner of War Camp in Simon’s Town, where he was killed in a freak accident. Pratt’s mother married another man by the name of William Goldburn Pearce, a School Master who had arrived in South Africa on the same ship as the Pratt Family. During his time in South Africa, Pearce documented the conditions of the prisoner of war camp in Simon's Town using a camera he owned. Whilst there, he and the Boers compared their pottery as well. The new family moved back to England in 1902, settling once again in Portland. Pratt received his early education at Colston's School, his stepfather William Pearce owned the famed The George Inn, Portland.
Later Life and Work
From 1909 to 1913 he attended classes at the Borough Polytechnic and the West Ham Technical Institute, and concurrently obtained his practical training at Arnold Goodwin and Son’s engineering works in London. He continued his employment as a junior draughtsman. Later he was promoted to the post of chief draughtsman and was entrusted with the organization of a new department manufacturing air compressors. It is with the discipline of engineering that he continued with for the remainder of his life. In 1926 Frank William Pratt became the co-founder and joint Managing Director of Messrs. Air Pumps Limited. As co-founder he owned factories in Southwark, Battersea, Wimbledon, and Croydon.
The same year he drove London buses during the 1926 general strike.
The company specialised in the manufacturing of air compressors and pneumatic tools, specifically manufacturing “AP” Compressors, “Airoil” Hoists, and “Record” Concrete Breakers. During the Second World War the company supplied equipment to British and Commonwealth Forces, Frank William Pratt held communications with the War Office London. Sir Frank William Pratt died on the 17th May 1948, due to lung cancer.
References
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Air_Pumps https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Frank_William_Pratt https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1961_Dun_and_Bradstreet_KBE https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Arnold_Goodwin_and_Sons https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Category:Deaths_1940-1949
Books
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Journal/fPNIAQAAIAAJ?kptab=overview (Institute for Mechanical Engineers Page 414)
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