World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
William Purvis, MM & Bar
Forename(s):
William
Surname:
Purvis, MM & Bar
Initial(s):
W
Service Number:
22938
Rank:
Corporal
Regiment:
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 149th Company
Died:
26/06/1917
Aged:
27
Buried:
Croisilles British Cemetery
Service History:
Enlisted at Alnwick, Northumberland along with his three brothers but later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps.
Formerly 2606, Northumberland Fusiliers, 1/7th Battalion Territorial Force.
Twice awarded the prestigious Military Medal, on the first occasion for gallantly serving his machine gun under very heavy German fire. This was during the capture of High Wood, on 15 September 1916.
The second occasion was in action near Arras in May 1917 where he held a trench against heavy German attacks when all his comrades had become casualties.
He had fallen before he could receive his award & so his mother was presented with it at Berwick Barracks.
(Source: Coldstream & District Local History Society)
Background:
Son of George & Elizabeth M. Purvis, of Richmond Villa, Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland.
Native of Horncliffe.
Local Memorial:
Horncliffe War Memorial
