Frank Purnell

First Name: 
Frank
Last Name: 
Purnell
Mother's Name: 
Jane Purnell nee Dias
Father's Name: 
Arthur Purnell
Date Enlisted: 
Tuesday, August 1, 1916
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Lieutenant
Unit: 
19th Battalion
Company: 
C
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
British War Medal
v
Place of Death: 
Sydney, N.S.W.
Details: 

Frank Purnell (Service No 6605) was born in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1887.

In 1914 he married Lottie Waite in Wollongong, N.S.W.

At enlistment, he was 28 years old and was deputy principal at Wagga High School.

Frank attended Sydney University and served with the University Scouts.

He embarked on HMAT A18 Wiltshire with the 19th Battalion, 19th Reinforcement, on 7th February 1917. Frank disembarked in England on 11th April 1917, then went to France on 9th October 1917 where he joined the 19th Battalion, C Company in the field, on 14th October 1917.

He saw service on the Western Front until 28th May 1918, when he was wounded in a gas attack. Frank was evacuated to England for treatment, and on 30th October 1918 he was posted to the Education Service. On 1st February 1919, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Frank was granted leave, to work, until 3rd May 1919. Frank returned to Australia in August 1919, and was discharged on 22nd November 1919.

In October 1919, Frank received a welcome home at the Methodist Church School Hall, in Wollongong, N.S.W. He returned to teaching and retired as a principal.

Frank died in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1969.

He is commemorated for his service on the Wesley Mission Roll of Honour, Wollongong, N.S.W.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, PURNELL FRANK