The AIF Project

Robert Alfred PURVIS

Regimental number7037
Place of birthBanana Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
AddressDrumburll, Gladstone, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Purvis, Lennox Street, Rockhampton, Queensland
Enlistment date23 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on 25 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 20 December 1918
Medals

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

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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