PURCELL, JOHN FRANCIS, Captain, was
born at Ballycuneen, County Clare, Ireland, 29 June 1861, son of Thomas
Purcell. He was educated at a private school, and joined the Cape Mounted
Riflemen 28 October 1880. He served in Basutoland, 1881 (Medal with clasp),
and in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. He was promoted Captain 25
October 1900; was present in operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria,
July and November 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May and November
1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900;
operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River, 1900; operations in Orange
River Colony, November and December 1900; operations in Cape Colony,
December 1900 to May 1902. He was slightly wounded; was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 9 July and 11 October 1901], and was created a
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 11 October
1901]: "J Purcell, Captain, Cape Mounted Rifles. For gallantry in capture
of Letter's Commando. Dated 5 September 1901". He also received the
Queen's Medal with three clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps; was
promoted Brevet Major 1 November 1901. He served in the Great War, and was
mentioned in Despatches in September 1916. He married, 21 July 1909, at
Umtata, Cape Province, South Africa, Frances, eldest daughter of W T
Brownlee, Chief Magistrate, Native Territories, Cape Province, and they had
two sons: John Francis Brownlee and Edward Stephen; and a daughter, Joan
Brownlee.
