Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Muir Purser

confirmed

Born: 7 January 1887

Died: 14 October 1970

A correspondence clerk with Bellambi Coal Company who was appointed to the AIF on 5 August 1915 after having served in the militia since 1903. He embarked for Egypt on 9 November in command of C Company, 30th Battalion and arrived in Egypt on 11 December 1915. The 30th arrived at Marseilles, France on 25 June 1916 and moved immediately to Morbecque in northern France.

His Battalion at the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July had over 350 casualties out of its strength of 974 at the start of the battle. He was transferred on 6 August to take temporary command of the 32nd Battalion which had suffered more than 75% casualties at Fromelles. He then, on 1 December 1916, took permanent command of the 29th Battalion.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and Mentioned in Despatches three times. The recommendation for the DSO was as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Late on the evening of 25th September 1917 Lieut-Col Purser was ordered to proceed to the front line with his Battalion, to take the place of another Battalion in the operation on 5.50 am on September 26th (Battle of Polygon Wood).

Notwithstanding the limited time available, this Officer made all necessary arrangements, and led his Command through a heavy enemy barrage, arriving at the place of assembly just before zero hour.

Lt-Col Purser commanded his Battalion in the attack on the final objective, overcoming all enemy resistance by assaulting numerous strong points and capturing large numbers of prisoners.

After establishing his Battalion on the final objective, he was instrumental in repulsing, with heavy loss, several counter enemy attacks."

On 24 February 1918, approval was given for his return to Australia for family reasons. He embarked for Australia on 13 March 1918 and arrived on 23 May then his appointment in the AIF was terminated on 6 June 1918. [JSB]