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Pte. Harry Charles Purches
British Army 8th Battalion East Kent Regiment
from:Andover Rd, Hornsey
My Grandfather, Harry Purches, was born December 1894, later to be joined by many brothers and sisters. His father was also a Harry Charles Purches. Previously a porter He enlisted, in Islington, to the East Kent Regiment on the 7th September 1914. He appears to be in England for one year before being sent to France with the BEF in the Autumn of 1915. In 1916 he was wounded, treated in Dublin, and then sent home to his Mum and siblings in London for several months, before returning to the Front. In March 1917 he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis in neck glands and medically discharged as unfit for service. This illness didn't prevent him producing an illegitmate son in 1917. Allegedly, my Grandmother's parents objected to her marrying a soldier for some sad reason. Both HCP and my GM subsequently married, and had children, with other spouses after the war.
Harry Charles Purches died of heart and lung disease aged 32 whilst working as a motor mechanic in Islington. I wish I'd known him, I'd like to shake his hand and thank him, and all who served, for what they achieved.
