Hood Bn. R.N. Div, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (British Navy)
Date Of Birth:
09/08/1993
Died:
04/02/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
23
Summary
William Purcell was the son of David and Sarah Purcell. William was born 9 August 1893. Belfast newspaper reports connect him to Toomebridge. William was living at 27 Hill Street, Anderston, Glasgow when he enlisted on 6th April 1915. He was working as a Tramway Conductor. Petty Officer William Purcell served on land in the Royal Naval Division, and was gassed in France in early November 1916.He contracted scabies and possibly pneumonia afterwards. Petty Officer William Purcell was serving with Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve when he was reported as been killed in action in France on Sunday 4th February 1917.
Further Information
William Purcell was the son of David and Sarah Purcell. William was born 9 August 1893, possibly somewhere in Ireland, but is not listed in GRONI.
Belfast newspaper reports connect him to Toomebridge, but no direct connection can be found.
William had lived in New York City as a child, and later in Lancashire, where his parents were born.
William was living at 27 Hill Street, Anderston, Glasgow when he enlisted on 6th April 1915. He was working as a Tramway Conductor. He gave his next of kin as his cousin, Mrs Ward, who was living at the same address.
Petty Officer William Purcell served on land in the Royal Naval Division, and was gassed in early November 1916.
He contracted scabies and possibly pneumonia aferwards.
Petty Officer William Purcell was serving with Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve when he was reported as been killed in action in France on Sunday 4th February 1917. He was 23 years old.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 23rd February 1917: Petty Officer’s Death
Petty Officer William Purcell, Royal Naval Division, nephew of Mr Francis Grant, and Mrs Bernard Totten, Toomebridge, was killed in action on 1st February.
Petty Officer Purcell has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
The CWGC record Petty Officer William Purcell as the son of David and Sarah Purcell.
