John Edward Purling

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Michael Purling, John Purling's son

My father was Sgt. John Purling. He was born on the 15 September 1915 in Thurton, Norfolk. He went to Thurton School and when he left he worked as a bricklayers labourer for a local house builder. My earliest memories of him, when I was 4 years old, was meeting him with my mother at Norwich bus station when he came home on leave. Also at home when he carried me up the stairs to bed.

At the outbreak of war in 1940 he joined the 1st Battalion the Royal Norfolk Regiment. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1943 and attached to 8 Platoon "B" Company. Also in his Company was Corporal Sidney Bates who, on 6 August, was awarded the VC for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

8 Platoon, Royal Norfolk Regiment. John Purling sits in the front row, six from the left. Sidney Bates sits in the front row, fourth from the right

 

The Regiment landed on Sword Beach on the 6th June at approximately 7.30am and they advanced up to an area near the Hillman fortification. As this was still occupied by the enemy they were ordered to bypass it to the left area which was at that time still covered with standing corn. As he was directing his company across the field he was hit and badly wounded.

He was evacuated back to the UK and sent to the Royal Naval Hospital Haslar, Gosport where he sadly died from gas gangene on 11 June. He was laid to rest at Thurton Churchyard, his home village.