| Victor George Purvis was the fourth son of William and Annie Jane Purvis of Cookstown. He was born on 12th August 1923.
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| Known family: William Purvis, Annie Jane Purvis, Victor George Purvis (born on 12th August 1923), Sadie Purvis, Robert Purvis, Jean Purvis.
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| Prior to enlistment he worked as an apprentice plumber.
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| Victor Purvis joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at the age of 18 on the 27th November 1941 at Omagh.
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| Victor Purvis pictured above with his sister Sadie,
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| 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.
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| Whilst in England, on 3rd June 1942, Fusilier Victor George Purvis died as a result of drowning near Cornwall while training.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th June 1942: Roll of Honour - Death
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| 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.
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| 1943
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th June 1943:
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| 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.
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‘We were not there at the time of death
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To hear his last faint sigh
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Just to speak one loving word
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Or yet to say goodbye.'
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| Fondly remembered by his loving mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
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| 1944
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 3rd June 1944: Roll of Honour
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| 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.
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‘No mother’s care did him attend
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Nor over him did a father bend
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No sister near to shed a tear
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Or brother by his words to hear.’
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| Always remembered by his loving mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
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| 1945
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th June 1945:
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| PURVIS – In loving memory of Fusilier V G Purvis, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was drowned by accident in Cornwall on 3rd June 1942.
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‘Three years ago today have passed away
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When the one we loved was called away
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The call was sudden, the shock severe
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To part with one we loved so dear.’
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| Always remembered by his mother, sister and brothers. King’s Bridge, Cookstown.
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| Memorials
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| Fusilier Victor Purvis’ remains were returned home and he was buried in Cookstown Cemetery.
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| Fusilier Victor Purvis is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
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