Edith Helen Pratt blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Edith Helen Pratt 1882-1959 Exmouth’s first recipient of the Order of the British Empire in August 1917, was educated in this building when it housed Southlands School. After she left in 1900, the school moved to the site that later became Rolle College. Her OBE citation reads: “Late Staff Superintendent for Welfare, Gun Ammunition, Filling Division, Ministry of Munitions. Now Deputy Chief Controller Recorded plaque organisation: Exmouth Society.

Edith Helen Pratt was Exmouth’s first recipient of the Order of the British Empire in 1917 for her service as a staff superintendent overseeing welfare in the Gun Ammunition Filling Division during World War I. Her work significantly contributed to the support and morale of munitions workers, highlighting her importance in the wartime effort.