Leading Signalman Joseph Spratt (D/JX 135189) served in the Royal Navy during World War Two. Born on 20th June 1915, he was the son of John Spratt and Charlotte Spratt of Lenaderg, Co. Down.
He died on board HMS Jaguar (F34) on 26th March 1942 aged 26 years old. Jaguar sank under fire from 2 torpedoes fired by U-652 off Sidi Barrani, Egypt. A total of 193 crew and ratings died on board.
Imperial War Museum Photo: A 880 (Part of the Admiralty Official Collection). The destroyer HMS Jaguar manoeuvring at sea as seen from on board HMS Kelvin. Photo taken by Lieutenant CJ Ware.
Joseph Spratt has no known grave. His name is on Panel 67, Column 3 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, United Kingdom. His name also features on Gilford War Memorial, Gilford, Co. Down, Banbridge War Memorial, Banbridge, Co. Down and All Saint’s Church of Ireland, Tullylish, Co. Down.
Joseph’s brother-in-law Graham Charles Bradley also lost his life during the Second World War.
References
Ancestry Commonwealth War Graves Find A Grave Naval History U-Boat Wartime Gilford