Histories

Biographical Information: JOHN HARRY CAMPBELL PURVIS (HARRY), born 29th December 1905 at Gilmerton, Cameron Parish, near St Andrews, Fife, killed 9th December 1926 on duty in a flying accident at Hawkinge, Kent, England, buried in St Michael's Churchyard at Hawkinge Old Church, Kent, in Grave 117 maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Memorial baptismal font by Sir Robert Lorimer in Dunino Church, Dunino, near St Andrews. Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, serving with No. 25 Squadron R.A.F. at R.A.F. Hawkinge when he was killed. His R.A.F. badge was kept by his wife until she died, when it went to their son John Harry Robert Purvis (see 1.1.3.6.1.10.1.1. below)). He was taking part in gunnery practice in his Grebe aircraft when he probably encountered wing flutter while diving on the target and lost control. He crashed at Terlingham Manor Farm, near Hawkinge, was bravely pulled from the flames by a farm worker but had died instantly. His uncle Sir John Gilmour (Jack) (see OA. 750 (1.3.2.2.1.), who was Secretary of State for Scotland at the time (1924-29), was taking part in a debate in the House of Commons on the high level of air accidents in the R.A.F. when he was informed of his nephew's fatal accident. Lived latterly at Four Winds Bungalow, Hawkinge, with his wife and her niece (Mrs Evelyn Bottom - see OA.417). Married (29th April 1926 at the Registry Office, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England), as her 1st husband (she married 2nd Robert Sawyer (Bob), having two children:- 1. Son Sawyer, killed in a road accident. 2. Wendy Sawyer. See OA.418. Living (1994) at East Malling, near Maidstone, Kent. Married W. Keep.), Jessica Whiting (Jessie) (born 1st January 1907, died 24th January 1993 at Ditton, near Maidstone, Kent, buried at Ditton) (see OA.417 – 1.2.) of Tonbridge, Kent, who was living (1988 and 1992) at Ditton, daughter of ….. Whiting and Lucy Kealey, having one son:-