The AIF Project

John PURCELL

Regimental number589
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Address26 Palermo Street, South Yarra, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Michael Purcell, 26 Palermo Street, South Yarra, Victoria
Enlistment date26 January 1917
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll5 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 10, Reinforcement 9
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/15/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 11 May 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Machine Gun Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 22 August 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 23rd August, 1918 during the attack on ST. MARTIN'S WOOD near CHUIGNES, Private PURCELL acted as a runner from his Section Commander to Company Headquarters. Three times he went through a very heavy barrage carrying important despatches. By his magnificent courage and contempt of danger he proved invaluable as a means of keeping touch between Section and Company Headquarters.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

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