Studio portrait of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Muir Purser DSO. A correspondence clerk from ...

Studio portrait of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Muir Purser DSO. A correspondence clerk from Waverley, NSW prior to enlistment, Lt Col Purser had already had extensive service with the militia and embarked with the rank of Major with the 30th Battalion from Sydney on HMAT Beltana on 9 November 1915. Initially transferring to the 38th Battalion, he later transferred to the 29th Battalion where he was Mentioned in Despatches on two separate occasions. Following his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty". Late on the evening of 25th September 1917 Lieut-Col Purser was ordered to proceed to the front line with his battalion, to take the place of another battalion in the operation on 5.50 am on September 26th. Notwithstanding the limited time available, this officer made all necessary arrangements and led his command through a heavy enemy barrage, arriving at the place of assembly just before zero hour. Lt-Col Purser commanded his battalion in the attack on the final objective, overcoming all enemy resistance by assaulting numerous strong points and capturing large numbers of prisoners. After establishing his battalion on the final objective, he was instrumental in repulsing, with heavy loss, several counter enemy attacks." After transferring to the 32nd Battalion he was Mentioned in Despatches for the third time. On 13 March 1918 he returned to Australia and was discharged citing family reasons. Lt Col Purser went on to see active service with the 36th Battalion in the Second World War.