Harry Purling

Born: 10 July 1889

Died: 17 May 1918

Rank and Regiment: Private 203948 in the 1st/4th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment

Resting Place: All Saints, Brandon Parva, United Kingdom

Memorials: All Saints, Brandon Parva, United Kingdom

Harry Purling was born on 10 July 1889 at Brandon Parva, the son of John Purling and his wife Mary Ann. He was baptised at Brandon Parva on 22 September 1889.

The 1891 Census for Brandon Parva records John and Mary Ann living at 3 Lower Brand with five children and Laura Murphy, 25, described as
“Nurse”. Just down the road at 12 Lower Brand we find little Harry living with his grandparents William Purling, 82, agricultural labourer (this was before
“the Lloyd George” – there were no pensions for working men in those days) and his wife also called Mary Ann.

The 1911 Census for Brandon Parva records Harry, a farm labourer, living with his parents and his younger sister Amy, and John junior aged 4, presumably Amy’s child. It is noted in that Census that John and Mary Ann have been married for 38 years, and that in that time they have had 12 children of whom no fewer than seven have died.

Harry Purling initially joined the 1st/4th Norfolk Regiment with the service number 1329, subsequently being transferred to the Devonshire
Regiment.

The Register of Soldier’s Effects records that Harry Purling died in hospital on 17th May 1918. CWGC records note that he died of pneumonia.

His effects, totalling £30 4s 8d, were paid out to his father, together with a War Gratuity of a further £18.

All Saints, Brandon Parva