| Regimental number | 530 |
| Place of birth | Carrington, New South Wales |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Miner |
| Address | Neath, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 19 |
| Height | 5' 7.25" |
| Weight | 143 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, Adam Young Purcell, Neath, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Served for 1.5 years in the 14th Infantry, Citizen Military Forces; still serving at time of AIF enlistment. |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | West Maitland, New South Wales |
| Rank on enlistment | Lance Corporal |
| Unit name | 35th Battalion, B Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/52/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A24 Benalla on |
| Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 35th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Cross Recommendation date: Military Cross Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed fine courage and leadership in leading his platoon against an enemy strong post, gaining his objective, and capturing thirty five prisoners, two light trench mortars and a machine gun.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15 Date: |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 2162 Pte John William PURCELL, 31st Bn, killed in action, 19 July 1916. |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Nestor,' 1 November 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 22 February 1920. Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, PURCELL James Adam |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
