Ypres Reservoir Cemetery: Pauline Priano
Ypres Reservoir Cemetery: Pauline Priano
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
James Purdy’s true birth name was James Ingram, he was one of 3 children and the eldest of 2 sons. His mother Hannah Ingram, born 1860, native of Gateshead, County Durham gave birth to daughter Margaret October 24th 1893, James 1895 at Sheriff Hill and William March 15th 1898. The census of 1901 lists Hannah as a widow living with her children in the home of coal miner and widower, James Purdy, as his housekeeper/servant at 24, Blue Quay Road, St John’s Parish, Gateshead. James Purdy native of Cramlington born 1847 died aged 62 years at Gateshead in 1909. Although no entry of marriage has been found, in the census of 1911, Hannah is listed as the widow Purdy and children living in 2 rooms at Heworth Mill Cottages, Felling, Gateshead, James (16) supported his mother and sibling employed as a driver below ground at Heworth Colliery.
James and his family were still living at Felling when war was declared in 1914 and it was here that he enlisted, September 4th 1914, assigned as Private 9950 to the 4th Reserve Battalion Durham Light Infantry, part of the north east’s coastal defences, the battalion also re-training men wounded or recovering from illness and the new recruits for service overseas. He was inoculated against typhoid, January 23rd 1915, transferred to the 2nd Battalion D.L.I. and departed with the British Expeditionary Force, August 24th 1915, landing in France they concentrated at the Infantry Base Depot. They were moved to Belgium and Private Purdy joined his regiment in the field, September 4th 1915, attached to the 18th Brigade, 6th Division on the Ypres salient where they prepared to spend the winter in the mud filled trenches. That same day he made a will naming his mother in the event of his death, as his sole beneficiary.
Private James Purdy was killed in action, December 20th 1915 in the vicinity of Ypres, his body initially buried 50 yards north of Ypres prison, one of 3 cemeteries in the area. After the Armistice all servicemen were brought together into the third, firstly named Cemetery North of the Prison, then Ypres Reservoir North Cemetery, now Ypres Reservoir Cemetery which stands on the road opposite the site of the original prison.
Private 9950 James Purdy Durham Light Infantry was 21 years of age and single, he is at rest grave I. B. 44. His mother Hannah received all monies due to him, his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to her at 2, Tunswell Terrace, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, County Durham. April 18th 1916 she received a letter from the Records Office, York, it reads, “Under instructions received from the War Office I beg to forward herewith the effects of the late Pte, 9950 J. Purdy, 2nd. Battalion, Durham Light Infantry……..it should be noted that the enclosed letters and photo are the only articles of personal property that have been recovered and forwarded to this office, but should any further effects come to hand at a later date, they will be at once forwarded on to you. I am, Madam, Your obedient Servant, Lt Colonel for i/c Infantry Records Office.”
James’ brother William (Purdy) may also have served, if so he survived the war and was married in 1935 at Gateshead to Mildred May Lamb a local lady born, October 7th 1900. In 1939 they were living at 90, Kingston Road, Gateshead, William was employed as a heavy worker/labourer by the Corporation. He died at Gateshead in 1987 aged 89 years, his widow Mildred May Purdy nee Lamb aged 88 years in 1988.
Margaret (Purdy) was married in 1912 at Gateshead to John Robson with whom she had a daughter Elizabeth in 1913. In 1914 Margaret is listed as living at 15, Ridley Terrace, Heworth, Gateshead, County Durham, her husband John had gone to war and survived the conflict. Further details unknown.
Hannah registered under surname Purdy died aged 68 years in 1928, at Gateshead, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
James Purdy is remembered at Gateshead Fell on G39.064 and at Heworth on H92.04
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 336
