The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

john burnett · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 790 Location: Fife

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Goldsmith for the photos.
Situated within Dunino Church. OS ref N0541109.
I have no information on who he was, will try and find out.

Hastingleigh · Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 39 Location: Kent

John, I have some news for you regards this chap.
This morning, my mother and I visited a defunct cemetery for St Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Old Hawkinge Village, Hawkinge Kent.

I came across seven RAF graves from airmen killed while serving at RAF Hawkinge. Included was one grave

which was inscribed:
In loving memory of Flying Officer Harry C. Purvis
Of Gilmerton Fife,
Who died as the result of a
Flying Accident December 9th 1925
In his 21st year

I think this is the same chap, as the Flight Magazine Archive online, has several mentions of a JHC Purvis who was variously promoted through the ranks in the RAF in the mid 1920's. And was posted to 25 Squadron RAF Hawkinge.

There is the discrepency about the name, as the grave definitely states Harry C Purvis , but the FLight Magazine refers to JHC Purvis.
I am sure it is the same man however, what with the Scottish Connection.

Sadly the church is now a private residence, and whom so ever is responsible for the churchyard and graves has neglected it badly.
The place has been invaded by rabbits building a warren, and it is riddled with weeds and nettles.
It once was a beautiful spot, with spectacular views, but is now blighted by the noise of the M20 which rattles past it. Very Noisy indeed.

I was intrigued by the names on the graves so took photos and have been surfing online to see what I could find out about these forgotten chaps.

I will upload piccies and add them to this thread tomorrow.
Clearly he was a much loved chap, what a spectacular memorial his family have erected to his memory. Far more fitting than the stone above his grave now.

To access the Flight Magazine Archive
is http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/index.html

type in Purvis and dates 1914-1926 and you will see a few mentions of him.

Hope this is of interest.

Modified to add the photo links:

http://picasaweb.google.com/WAR.GRAVES.PHOTOS/CommonwealthWarGraves#5316141068979935154

http://picasaweb.google.com/WAR.GRAVES.PHOTOS/CommonwealthWarGraves#5316141137174773618

john burnett · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 790 Location: Fife

Thanks for all this additional information.
I like it when more flesh is added to the bare bones of the information we have - if that is not too grisly an analogy for this case.

Many thanks.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

WMR 85305