Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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6985550   Fusilier Victor George Purvis
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 10/12/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 12/08/1923
Died: 03/06/1942 (Died by accident)
Age: 18
Summary      
Victor George Purvis was the son of William and Annie Jane Purvis of Cookstown. He was born on 12th August 1923. Prior to enlistment he worked as an apprentice plumber. Victor Purvis joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and served with the 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion. Whilst in England, on 3rd June 1942, Fusilier Victor George Purvis died as a result of drowning near Cornwall while training.
Fusilier Victor George Purvis
Further Information
Victor George Purvis was the fourth son of William and Annie Jane Purvis of Cookstown. He was born on 12th August 1923.
Known family: William Purvis, Annie Jane Purvis, Victor George Purvis (born on 12th August 1923), Sadie Purvis, Robert Purvis, Jean Purvis.
Prior to enlistment he worked as an apprentice plumber.
Victor Purvis joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at the age of 18 on the 27th November 1941 at Omagh.
Victor Purvis pictured with his sister Sadie
Victor Purvis pictured above with his sister Sadie,
The 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was raised at Donaghadee, County Down on 24th December 1940 for those young soldiers who had volunteered and had not yet reached the age to be conscripted. The battalion moved to Craigavad on 18th January 1941 and to Donaghadee on 9th October 1941. It remained there until 24 October 1941, when it moved to Larne and then to Britain. The battalion never saw active service abroad. It was engaged in civil defence duties until its disbandment in 1943, due to the British government lowering the age of consent for conscription.
Whilst in England, on 3rd June 1942, Fusilier Victor George Purvis died as a result of drowning near Cornwall while training.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th June 1942: Roll of Honour - Death
PURVIS - 3rd July 1942 (as the result of an accident), Private Victor George Purvis, in his 18th year, fourth son of the late William Purvis and of Mrs Purvis, Kingsbridge, Cookstown. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, brothers and sister.
1943
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th June 1943:
PURVIS – In loving memory of Fusilier V G Purvis, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who drowned by accident in Cornwall on 3rd June 1942, and was laid to rest in the Cemetery, Cookstown.
‘We were not there at the time of death
To hear his last faint sigh
Just to speak one loving word
Or yet to say goodbye.'
Fondly remembered by his loving mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
1944
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 3rd June 1944: Roll of Honour
PURVIS – In loving memory of Fusilier V G Purvis, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was drowned by accident in Cornwall on 3rd June 1942, and was laid to rest in the Cemetery, Cookstown.
‘No mother’s care did him attend
Nor over him did a father bend
No sister near to shed a tear
Or brother by his words to hear.’
Always remembered by his loving mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
1945
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th June 1945:
PURVIS – In loving memory of Fusilier V G Purvis, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was drowned by accident in Cornwall on 3rd June 1942.
‘Three years ago today have passed away
When the one we loved was called away
The call was sudden, the shock severe
To part with one we loved so dear.’
Always remembered by his mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
Memorials
Fusilier Victor Purvis’ remains were returned home and he was buried in Cookstown Cemetery.
Victor Purvis gravestone
Fusilier Victor Purvis is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
Read more
Relevant Cookstown Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Kings Bridge Cookstown South Newspaper lists family in Kings Bridge 54.630186 -6.742504
2 Cookstown Cemetery Cookstown South Buried in Cookstown Cemetery 54.638731 -6.751774
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 FindAGrave.com Photo of Fusilier Victor Purvis' grave
2 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Fusilier Victor Purvis' grave can be purchased here
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023