|
| Name: |
Thomas Charles PURVIS |
|
| Casualty No.: |
|
Ranks: |
Corporal |
Initials: |
T C |
Service No.: |
4450055 |
|
| Date of Birth : |
- |
Place of Birth : |
|
Age at Death: |
24 |
|
| Unit: |
9th Bn Durham Light Infantry. |
|
|
|
| Place Enlisted: |
|
| Place of Residence: |
Crookhill, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham. |
| Home Address: |
100 Tyne Gardens, Crookhill, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham. |
| Previous Address: |
13 Coronation Street, Crookhill, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham. |
| Civilian Employment: |
|
| How Died: |
Killed in action |
| Date of Death: |
Friday 31st May 1940 |
| Place of Death: |
Dunkirk, France. |
| Battle/Campaign: |
Dunkirk evacuation. |
| Locally Commemorated: |
Ryton War Memorial, Station Bank, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Stargate War, Memorial, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
|
| UK Commemorated: |
- |
| Overseas Commemorated: |
- |
| Buried: |
Lille Southern Cemetery, France. |
| Decoration and Medals: |
1939-45 Star. War Medal. |
| Photographs: |
0 |
| Service Records: |
No |
| Death Notice/Obituary: |
Newcastle Evening Chronicle, In Memoriam; 31st May 1944. |
| Family Details: |
Son of Stephen and Frances Purvis, of 13 Coronation Street, Crookhill, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Husband of Minnie Purvis, of 100 Tyne Gardens, Crookhill, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Brothers: Stephen, and Robert.
Brother in law: James Banks.
|
| Notes : |
Thomas had been serving in D Companyof the 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry (Territorials) for seven years and was called up to the colours at the outbreak of war. His brothers Stephen and Robert also served in the same Regiment and Company, and both were wounded in the same action as Thomas and both were taken as prisoners of war. A brother in law, James Banks was also wounded, losing his eye.
Thomas was part of the well known Purvis family, miners, originating from Addison Colliery. His father was one of eleven sons of Mr and Mrs Stephen Purvis to see active service during World War 1 (two sons were killed in action, the other died of disease. A brother in law was also killed in action). Thomas's cousin William Atkinson Purvis died as a result of an accident in February, 1942, whilst serving with the Royal Artillery in Egypt.
Because of the Purvis's remarkable war record throughout both world wars, a BBC In Town Tonight programme was recorded during June 1940, which was dedicated to the achievements of the family.
|
| Sources Used: |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour Register.
Army Roll of Honour, 1939-45.
Blaydon Courier, 20th June 1940.
Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 3rd July 1940.
Newcastle Journal, 19th June 1940.
|
|
