Morpeth Herald 29/10/1915 carries a brief obituary:
MORPETH SOLDIER’S DEATH
Mr. Sproat, residing at the Nag’s Head Yard, Morpeth, has received the following letter, dated October 23rd, from Captain H.R. Smail, 8th [sic] N.F., announcing the death of his son, Private W. Sproat.
The Captain writes:- “I very much regret to have to inform you that your son No.2324, Private W. Sproat was killed this morning between the lines. He went out with another man without permission, to look for shell and caps and a German patrol shot him. As he fell he remarked “They have done for me”, and only lived a few seconds. I should mention that this happened at 7.15am during a dense mist.
“A number of men went out to try and recover his body, but could not get him owing to the German fire. One non-commissioned officer received no less than five wounds in the attempt and was fortunate not to be killed.
“We very much regret the loss of your son; though young, he was very plucky and was always willing to go out on patrol. We will make every endeavour to recover his body tonight. Sympathising with you in your loss”.
He is remembered at Morpeth on M17.01 M17.09 and M17.29 and in the Battalion History
