Good Morning Steve (and Pauline again). I have been researching the Widnes casualties of WW2 for a number of years now, one of who was James Peter Purcell. The following is a transcript of your Grandfathers obituary from the Widnes Weekly News in 1944.
Widnes Weekly News Oct. 20th 1944 - Death in Italy
Signaller James Purcell, of 31 Ann Street, Widnes, was killed in action in Italy on October 4th. He was 26 years of age, and a son of Mr. Jack Purcell and the late Mrs. Purcell of 31 Ann Street. His wife was formerly Miss Jean Lloyd, of Welshpool, and they have one daughter, Pamela, aged 2 years and 9 months. Pamela was only three months old when her father saw her last before going overseas.
Signaller Purcell was an old boy of St. Marie’s R.C. School, and in later life was avery keen member of St. Marie’s C.Y.M.S. Before joining the Forces in June 1939, he was employed at the Everite Works. He served with the Eight Army in the North African campaign and also in Italy.
His cousin, Jackie Kinsella, was taken prisoner by the Germans in the North African Campaign and is now a prisoner of war in Germany.
Signaller Purcell’s Mother died when he was only a few days old, and ever since his father’s sister, Mrs. T. McLaughlin, has looked him after. Signaller Purcell always looked upon his aunt as his mother and always called her such.
Widnes Weekly News Oct. 27th 1944 - Chaplains Tribute
As reported last week signaller James Purcell of 32 Ann Street, Widnes, was killed in action in Italy on October 4th.
The Reverend Father R. O. Carnaffan Has sent the following message of consolation to Mrs. Purcell.
“ Your husband was killed almost instantaneously during evening shelling. It will be a consolation for you to know that he did not suffer, and a grand and lasting comfort to know that he had assisted at Holy Mass and received the sacraments shortly before, as was his custom. This morning I offered Mass for his eternal rest and buried the poor boy in a military cemetery. The Battery Commander and his officers and friends were present. We erected a white wooden cross, and curbed the grave round with stones. You will be brave like Jimmy was always, and would like you to be. I know it will take a lot of courage, but God in His mercy will help you to rearrange you life and carry on with fortitude.
“It is particularly distressing for you, I know, just when we were beginning to hope the war was over and done with. God’s ways are not ours, and I feel sure that even now Jimmy is enjoying his eternal reward in Heaven and be able to help you in your future life. I offer you and all his dear ones my deepest sympathy and a remembrance in my Masses. The regimental Mass on Sunday will be for his eternal rest.”
I have also attached the POW details for Jackie Kinsella.
Name: J. Kinsella
Rank: Private
Army Number: 3658939
Regiment: King's Own Royal Regiment
POW Number: 155761
Camp Type: Stalag
Camp Number: XVII-B
Camp Location: Gneixendorf, Austria
Record Office: Infantry Record Office, The Public Hall, Lune Street, Preston, Lancashire
Record Office Number: 18
I also have a photograph of your Grandfathers headstone at Faenza War Cemetery, which I would be more than happy to send to you. If you send me a pm, with an email address I will send the photo on, along with the background details that I have on Jimmy, which hopefully you could fill some gaps in. Sadly the WWN article did not include a photo of Jimmy, so if you have one i would be greatfull of a copy.
Look forward to hearing from you
Phil
