PURVIS, Robert Alfred
| Service Number: | 7037 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 23 October 1916 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 15th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Banana, Qld., 1891 |
| Home Town: | Gladstone, Gladstone, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Grazier |
| Memorials: | Banana War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 23 Oct 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 7037, 15th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 1916: | Involvement Private, 7037, 15th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '11' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Beltana embarkation_ship_number: A72 public_note: '' | |
| 25 Nov 1916: | Embarked Private, 7037, 15th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Beltana, Sydney |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
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: 7 August 1918
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