PURNELL, Norman Robert (1891-1955)Norman Robert Purnell was born on 22 November 1891, the son of Robert Purnell (1855-1937) and Helen nee Hitchins (1861-1951) who had married on 23 June 1887.
The Age newspaper reported the death of Norman's father, Robert Purnell's 1937:
'A large and representative gathering of citizens attended the funeral of the late Mr Robert Purnell, at the Eastern Cemetery, Geelong, yesterday. Mr Purnell was a native of Geelong, and in the early part of his career managed the Geelong district activities of Cobb and co. He later established the carrying business of Robert Purnell Pty. Ltd. In 1917 he entered the Legislative Assembly as representative for Geelong, but only held the seat for one term. In 1930 he was appointed chairman of the Geelong Harbor Trust, a position he held till the trust was reconstructed in October, 1933. Mr Purnell served on the city council for sixteen years, and was mayor in 1923-24. He was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, and for many years was superintendent of the Aberdeen-street Baptist Church. At his home. Hermitage-road, Newtown, a service was conducted by Revs. A. D. Shaw, E. C. Harris, and Canon Wheeler, while at the graveside, Rev. Shaw and Canon Wheeler were assisted by Rev. R. Farrar, president of the Baptist Union of Victoria. Flags were flown at half- mast on ships in port, on the city hall and several business houses.' It was on Robert Purnell's Mt Moriac property that Geelong College Principal, Charles 'Norman' Morrison met his untimely death in 1909.
Norman Robert Purcell was enrolled at Geelong College in 1905, entered by Robert Purcell of Hermitage Rd, Geelong.
.During World War I, Norman Purcell enlisted (No. 34132) as a Gunner in the AIF on 13 October 1916, and embarked on 11 May 1917 with the March Artillery Reinforcements for 4th Field Artillery Brigade on
HMAT All Ascanius for England and France. At the time of his enlistment he stated that he was a Carrier of 10 Hermitage St, Geelong, the same as that of his father. His father's address was later crossed out and replaced by 4 Moorabool St, Geelong.
The
Geelong Advertiser reported early in 1918:
‘Norman Purnell who has been in the Edmonton Hospital with an injured knee and pleurisy, wrote he was doing well and expected several days' leave. Sgt (sic) Harry Purnell is with the Howitzers in France, in the best of health. He has had a trip to Paris, which was an eye-opener to him.’ The
Geelong Advertiser reporting his return in 1918 stated that:
'he had been away 16 months; he was attached to the 11th Battery, and did duty around Ypres; has been invalided home after an attack of pleurisy.' He married on 23 September 1924 to Ida Mary Gutzner.
Norman Purnell did not talk much about his service, but his son, Robert remembered from pressing him for his recollections that his enduring memory was the squealing of the wounded horses.
Norman returned to Australia, embarking on 12 May 1918.
In 1921 he was listed as a Clerk resident at Hermitage Rd Newtown.
In 1946, the
Weekly Times newspaper reported:
'Mr Norman Purnell's 30 years as an official of the Corio Bay Rowing Club were commemorated at a dinner at the Victoria Hotel, Geelong, when Mr Purnell was given a silver service.
Mr Purnell, who is widely known in rowing circles in Victoria, has been treasurer of Corio Bay for 26 years. He has been the principal organiser of the Barwon regatta for 25 years and is actively concerned with the Head-of-the-River race when it is held in Geelong. Norman, who is manager of an extensive business (Robert Purnell Pty Ltd), is associated with many charitable organisations in Geelong. His son, who is 6ft. 4in. in height, is showing promise as an oarsman. He was in successful Corio Bay crews in novice pair and four-oared events at Colac regatta last New Year's Day. '
In the Australian Electoral Roll of 1954, just prior to his death, he was listed as a Carrier living at 89 Prospect Rd, Newtown. Helen Mary Purnell, teacher; Ida Mary Purnell, Home Duties; and Robert William Purnell, Clerk were also listed at this same address.
The
Argus published a death notice in June 1955: Purnell.
'On June 4 at his residence at 'Fairbrae' 89 Prospect road, Newtown, Geelong. Norman Robert, husband of Ida Purnell, and father of Helen and Robert.' He was memorialized at the Fawkner Crematorium on 6 June 1955.
Two brothers,
Henry William Purnell (1893-1918), and Albert Edwin Purnell (1900-1977) were also educated at Geelong College.
Henry William Purcell was killed in action on 29 May 1918 near Buire, about 2 kilometres past Francvillars on the Somme, and buried at Frechencourt Communal Cemetery, Somme.
Sources: Geelong Advertiser 8 July 1918 p2; The Age (Melb) 3 June 1937 p12; Weekly Times (Melb) 21 Aug 1946 p40; The Argus (Melb) 6 June 1955 p12; Pegasus June 1955 p48; Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p287 (citing The Pegasus; National Archives).