THE SHORT life of Harlow resident Stanley Purkiss as read by Sarah Randall.

This project was brought to you by HTS Ltd and Harlow Council’s Civic Fund.

Never Forget

Stanley’s parents were Frederick Purkiss and Ellen French, born in Harlow in c.1860. Stanley Purkiss was born in Harlow on 26 December 18891.

The 1901 census shows Stanley living in Churchgate Street with his mother Ellen and brother James, aged six. The 1911 census recorded Stanley as being a stoker living in The Naval Barracks in Portsmouth. His mother was residing at 1 Hillside Terrace, Churchgate Street.

Stanley married Ruth Seaman on 20 December 1914 at Clapton Park, All Saints in Hackney, East London2. The marriage records states that Stanley was a motor driver and his father Frederick was deceased. The couple were residing at 231 Glyn Road, Clapton Park.

Stanley Purkiss, Stoker 1st Class, SS/106553 (RFR/PO/B/5861) joined HMS Tipperary, a Faulkner Class Destroyer. HMS Tipperary was involved in the Battle of Jutland, leading the 4th flotilla on 1 June 1916. The ship was sunk by a German ship SMS Westfalen with the loss of 185 men from its 197 crew. Stanley was among those who died when the ship was sunk. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Panel 19. Register Index Number MR3.