| Service number | 2162 |
|---|---|
| Birth Place | Australia: New South Wales, Dudley |
| Death Date | 1916-07-19 |
| Death Place | France |
| Final Rank | Private |
| Service | Australian Imperial Force |
| Unit | 31st Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Places | |
| Conflict/Operation | First World War, 1914-1918 |
Private John William Purcell
Description
Private John William Purcell (2162, 31st Battalion) was a miner from Maitland, NSW. He was killed in action during the battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916, just four weeks after arriving in France. John is buried in the Anzac Cemetery, Sailly-sur-la-Lys, France. His mother wrote that at the time of his death he was 17 years 7 months of age. John’s brother Lieutenant James Adam Purcell was awarded a Military Cross.
Rolls
-
First World War Nominal Roll:
- Unit
- 31st Australian Infantry Battalion
- Conflict
- First World War, 1914-1918
- Rank
- Private
-
First World War Embarkation Roll:
- Conflict
- First World War, 1914-1918
- Rank
- Private
-
Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Files:
- Unit
- 31st Australian Infantry Battalion
- Conflict
- First World War, 1914-1918
- Rank
- Private
-
Roll of Honour:
- Unit
- 31st Australian Infantry Battalion
- Conflict
- First World War, 1914-1918
- Rank
- Private
Timeline
| Date of enlistment | 04 September 1915 | |
|---|---|---|
| Date of embarkation | 18 February 1916 | |
| Date of death | 19 July 1916 | |
| Date of fate | 19 July 1916 |