No.G/25881, Private, Harry Edward PURKISS
Aged 19
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Harry Edward Purkiss was born Weston Colville (Linton Q3-1899 3B:495), son of Harry and Alma Ann PURKISS (née OUTLAW).
1901 census...Aged 2, he was at 4 Granville Street, Turners Hill, Sheffield, with his father Harry PURKISS [28] police constable; his mother Alma Ann [26]. All born in Weston Colville. His father died in 1909 1911 census...Aged 11, he was at Linnets Hall, Weston Colville with his grandparents John PURKISS [62] horsekeeper born West Wratting and Mary Ann [67] born Balsham and his uncle Arthur PURKISS [40] carter, born West Wratting. His mother has not yet been found in this census, but CWGC have his mother's address as 23 Church End, Weston Colville. |
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He enlisted in Cambridge.
The 6th Buffs war diary for 29th September 1918:- "The 12th Division in conjunction with the Americans on the right and 47th Division on the left attacked the HINDENBURG DEFENCES in the vicinity of VENDHUILLE The 37th Inf.Bde passing through the 35th Inf Bde with the 6th Buffs on the right and 6th R.W.Kents on the left. 9th Essex were attached to 6th Buffs. 6th Queen's attached to 6th R.W.Kents. Objective of Brigade - A line just west of St.QUENTIN CANAL. Zero 5 am at which hour, after a short artillery barrage the battalion moved forward in the following order: "A" Coy left front "B" Coy right front "C" Coy left support "D" Coy right support Owing to very strong resistance of the enemy with M.G.s, progress was rendered slow, especially in the QUARRIES which had to be captured by the battalion. The opposition was gradually worn down and objectives reached and consolidated after stubborn fighting at 5 pm. The battalion was the only one in the Division that reached its objective - the BLUE Line Prisoners 120 and about 40 machine guns. Casualties: Lt H Thompson killed, Lt RN Dunkerley wounded, 2/Lt CS Beard missing about 40 OR killed and wounded."
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
