| Place | Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Pas de Calais, Arras, Vis-en-Artois |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR05775(A) |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 1 wallet : 2 cm |
| Object type | Letter, Document |
| Maker |
Purves, William Various |
| Place made | Australia, United Kingdom |
| Date made | 1903 - 1919 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Purves, William (Private, b.1885 - d.1915)
Description
Collection relating to the First World War service of 4763 Private William Purves, 1st and 2nd Battalions, Scots Guards, British Army.
William Purves was born in Scotland and enlisted in the Scots Guards in 1903 when he was 18 years of age. He moved to Australia in 1909 and by 1914 was married and living with his wife Maud in Maffra Victoria. Purves re-enlisted with the Scots Guards in August 1914 and embarked from Melbourne in December on the HMAS Berrima. Purves was reported missing and subsequently listed as dead around 16-18 May 1915. At that time the Scots Guards were engaged in the Battle of Festubert in the Artois region of France.
Collection consists of:
Folder 1
1. "Soldier's Small Book" containing Purves attestation details and printed information regarding general Army behaviour.
2. Ticket from London to Melbourne on the Aberdeen Line, 1909.
3. Soldier's pay book.
4. Five letters pertaining to Purves being reported as 'missing' and subsequent listing of his death.
5. Letter regarding issue of HRH Princess Mary Gift Box.
6. Two letters regarding the despatch of campaign medals.
7. Notice (with envelope) regarding the recovery of Purves' private property following his death.
8. Three letters regarding pensions and other funds.
9. Seven empty envelopes.
10. Two King George memorial notes
Folder 2
10. One postcard written by Purves to his sister Nell.
11. Three letters (one incomplete and undated) written by Purves to his wife Maud.
Folder 3
12. One postcard and four letters written to Maud by various people following Purves death.
13. One telegram regarding Shankley family - relationship unknown.