Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 22 March 1941
Killed In Air Raid
Darfield Sailor’s Death
Darfield residents learned with regret of the death of Mr. Frank Purple, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Purple, of Hill Street, Darfield.
A week previously, Frank, who was In the Navy, had spent a leave with his parents, and looked well and happy. A few days later he was killed during an air raid.
The news reached his parents last Thursday. Frank who was 23, was a wellknown footballer in the district. For a time he was captain of the Dearne Valley Schoolboys and played centre-half.
He worked at Birmingham and assisted his works team for several seasons. In Birmingham he married and his wife will celebrate her 21st birthday this week. Her husband had bought her a ring as a birthday present when on leave a week ago.
Frank had about ten valuable silver medals from various football competitions in which he took part.
The funeral took place at Darfield on Wednesday. The Rev. H. Drown officiated. There were present a number of members of Darfield Mothers’ Union. of which Gunner Purple’s mother is treasurer. The coffin was draped with a Union Jack, and among the mourners were Mrs. Frank Purple (widow) and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Purple (parents). Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Purple, jun. George Arthur Purple and Betty Purple. Mr. and Mrs. George Turner. Mr. George Purple. Mr. Sands, R.A.F., Mr. and Mrs. T. Wilson. Mr. L. White. Miss S. Lancaster. Mr. Alf. Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. W. Herberts and daughters. Mrs. W. Lawrence, senior, Mrs. J. Turner. Mr. and Mrs. W. Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Webb. Mrs. D. Barnes. Mrs. J. Barnes. Mr. and Mrs. T. Royston. Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Mr. end Mrs. C. Smith. Mrs. Rooke. Mrs. J. Stansfield, Mrs. Franks. Mr. and Mrs. A. Atkinson, Mr. D. Chance. Mr. Richardson, and a number of friends from the Victoria Inn.
Among the tributes were those from friends of the Victoria Inn. and Gaskell and Chambers (Birmingham), where he was formerly employed.
From C.W.G.C.:
ORDINARY SEAMAN
FRANK ARTHUR PURPLE
Service Number: P/JX 195639
Regiment & Unit/Ship: Royal Navy, H.M.S. Victory.
Date of Death: Died 11 March 1941
Age 22 years old
Buried or commemorated at: DARFIELD (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD, Grave 6.
Additional Info: Husband of E. Purple, of Small Heath, Birmingham.