Tuesday 18 October 2011

Sergeant Thomas William Purkis

Born on 18 June 1879 in London, England - next of kin listed as Mrs. Alice Purkis, London, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as iron worker; married; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 6 inches; chest of 39.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 34th Battalion, CEF, in Guelph, Ontario, on 25 January 1915 (number 602305) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in England on 9 August 1916 - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - invalided to England on 9 December 1916.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force)

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