The Tragic Tale of Josephine O'Brien and the Last Execution in Newfoundland

The Dark Legacy of Herbert Spratt

St. John's, Newfoundland, on March 17, 1942, was a city cloaked in the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick's Day. The pubs were lively, and the streets were filled with the laughter and cheer of the Irish diaspora who called Newfoundland home. But behind the revelry, something sinister was about to unfold. The life of 19-year-old Josephine O'Brien, a young woman full of promise, was brutally extinguished in a crime that would not only shock the community but also lead to the last public execution in Newfoundland’s history. This is the tragic story of her murder, the man who took her life, and how it forever changed the fate of capital punishment in the province.

Josephine O’Brien came from Cape Broyle, a small fishing village on the southern coast of Newfoundland, known for its tight-knit community and beautiful coastal views. Josephine, a bright, ambitious young woman, moved to St. John's in search of better opportunities. Like many of her peers, she sought work in the city, hoping to carve out a better future for herself. She found a job as a waitress at a local boarding house and quickly became known for her beauty and kind nature. Life in the bustling city of St. John's was far removed from her quiet upbringing, but she adapted, hoping to build a future full of stability, love, and success.

It was in this vibrant yet challenging environment that Josephine met Herbert Augustus "Herb" Spratt. Herb, the son of a prominent city councillor and wealthy businessman, seemed like the perfect match for Josephine. Handsome, charming, and well-connected, Herb’s future appeared to be as bright as his family’s reputation in the city. The Spratt family was deeply ingrained in St. John’s social fabric, with James J. Spratt, Herb’s father, being a respected building contractor and former deputy mayor of St. John's. Herb's mother, Margaret Spratt, was equally well-regarded, a woman known for her elegance and the Spratt family's wealth. It seemed like the young couple's engagement would be the beginning of a bright and promising life.

However, Herb's past would soon reveal itself as far more complex than anyone could have imagined.

A Wounded Soldier

Before meeting Josephine, Herb Spratt had served aboard HMS Rodney during World War II. As a gunner, he witnessed firsthand the devastating loss of life during the famous sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. This tragic experience left deep emotional scars on Herb, who struggled to cope with the trauma of war. The horrors of battle, the deaths of his comrades, and the violence of war weighed heavily on him, creating a dark shadow over his life. It is believed that the psychological trauma from the war, compounded by his drinking and unstable temperament, contributed to his eventual violent outburst.

Herb returned home to Newfoundland after the war, carrying the invisible wounds of his service. Although he tried to move on, it was clear that the war had changed him. His relationship with Josephine began romantically. The two young lovers quickly grew close, with Herb's charm and charisma winning over Josephine's heart. But as their engagement progressed, there were signs that something was amiss. Herb’s increasing struggles with alcohol and his inability to shake the horrors of his past began to take their toll on the couple’s relationship.

The Horrific Crime

The night of Josephine’s murder was not an ordinary one. On March 17, 1942, the couple had been drinking, as was often the case with Herb, whose drinking had become an increasing problem. The two were out celebrating St. Patrick's Day, joining in the revelry of the holiday, but what started as a festive night quickly took a tragic turn.

By the time they returned to the boarding house where Josephine lived, Herb was heavily intoxicated. It’s unclear what exactly transpired between the couple, but what is known is this: something snapped in Herb. In a sudden fit of rage, he attacked Josephine. With the flat iron, a heavy cast-iron tool used for pressing clothes, he beat her mercilessly. The violence was so brutal that Josephine was left lifeless in a pool of blood.

Herb, still drunk and disoriented, fled the scene. He left behind a trail of evidence, which would soon lead the police directly to him. His arrest came swiftly, and the ensuing investigation would reveal a crime that was not just about jealousy or rage, but also about the silent burden of trauma and a young man struggling to cope with the emotional scars of war.