In Harton Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of Second Lieutenant John William Purvis, serving with the Royal Flying Corps, who died 02/05/1917.

The son of Mr. W. A. and Mrs. M. Purvis, of 31, Vine Street, Tyne Dock, South Shields.

John was the eldest son of William Alfred, a railway engine-driver and Martha Purvis.

His father was born at Brockley Whins, South Shields, and was 39 in 1901. His mother was born in Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, and was 33 in 1901. In 1891 the family lived at 6 Vine Street, Tyne Dock.

John had one brother and one sister (1901 ages; both born at Tyne Dock): Martha (11) and George (10).

He was born in Tyne Dock. John was a motor engineer and resided in South Shields. He was accidentally killed while piloting a biplane at Thetford, Norfolk. The Gazette says he was 28.

His photograph appeared in the Shields Gazette on Saturday 05/05/1917.

Research: James Hoy Archive

John William Purvis is remembered at South Shields on S86.51 and S86.100.