Histories

Biographical Information: JOHN HENRY PURVIS (HARRY), D.S.O., of Kinaldy, born 4th April 1866 at Kinaldy, Cameron Parish, near St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, died 6th May 1962 at Kinaldy. Lieutenant Colonel Highland Light Infantry (H.L.I.). Joined (1888) the H.L.I., served three tours of duty in India, commanded (1901-02) the 16th Battalion Mounted Infantry in South Africa (Mentioned in Despatches) including a successful action at Zanddrifts (see The Scotsman newspaper 21st February 1901), Brevet Major when he retired (1908), rejoined (September 1914), commanded and took overseas (July 1915) the 12th Battalion H.L.I., in command at the Battle of Loos, Lens, France, and the attack (September 1915) on Hill 70, near Lens (Mentioned in Despatches, awarded (1916) the D.S.O.). Justice of the Peace (1924). Won (1915) the National Hunt Steeplechase at Cheltenham, riding his own horse "Martial IV". Purchased (1921) Kinaldy from his elder brother Alexander Burridge Purvis (see 1.1.3.6.1.2. above). Married (10th June 1903) Agatha Elizabeth Margareta Sprot (born 187? in Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland, christened in the chapel of St Margaret, Edinburgh Castle, where there is a plaque in memory of her mother, died 23rd October 1962), eldest daughter of Lieutenant General John Sprot (born 12th March 1830, married 1st on 19th October 1869, died 19th March 1907) of Riddell, Roxburghshire, Scotland, who served in suppressing the Indian Mutiny (1857-58), Colonel Commanding the 91st Highlanders, Honorary Colonel Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and of his 1st wife Georgina Mary Surtees (died 16th March 1876) (of the "Jorrocks" family) of Redworth Hall, Redworth, County Durham, England, having two children:-