| Regimental number | 7037 |
| Place of birth | Banana Queensland |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Grazier |
| Address | Drumburll, Gladstone, Queensland |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs E Purvis, Lennox Street, Rockhampton, Queensland |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 15th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/32/2 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 15th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'Is recommended for conspicuous gallantry and resourcefulness while in action near HOLLEBEKE on 28th February 1918. During inter-Company relief, the enemy barrage fell on a party of "A" Company men who were moving out to take over a post. The whole of the party except Purvis were wounded. Private Purvis immediately grasped the situation and set about to dress their wounds and to get them to places of safety. The wounded men fell into a regular sea of mud, and by his prompt action he certainly saved several lives. The whole time he was doing artillery fire in the vicinity. His cheerfulness and coolness throughout was marvellous, and had a very inspiring effect on all the wounded men. Throughout the tour of duty of the Battalion in the line, this man's work was magnificent, and I strongly recommend him for a decoration.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 120 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
